The Government of the Canary Islands has authorized several shipping companies to operate cruise trips between the ports of the Archipelago from November 5th, once the companies have committed to complying with the strict health protocol agreed by the Ministries of Public Works, Transport and Housing and Health to guarantee the safety of both tourists and residents.
TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises were the first cruise lines to receive this authorization after both companies submitted a declaration of responsibility committing to full compliance with the health protocol established by the regional authorities. Among the conditions required of these cruise lines is the purchase of an insurance policy to cover potential COVID-19-related incidents among passengers while operating in the Canary Islands. They were also required to establish agreements with hospitals and hotels on each island in case a quarantine became necessary, as well as implement a special hygiene plan for their ships and hire onboard medical personnel.
The Canary Islands government will only authorize this tourism activity for European companies, as the health protocols established by the EU are among the most stringent in the world. In this regard, approximately five European cruise tourism companies have already expressed interest in the Canary Islands winter circuit. Furthermore, cruise companies will be required to limit their ships to no more than 60 or 70% of their capacity.
Another control measure established by the Canary Islands Government is the requirement that shipping companies administer a diagnostic test (PCR or serological test) confirming they are negative for coronavirus. In addition, cruise passengers must complete a form detailing all their movements during the 15 days prior to arriving in the Canary Islands. This will allow for contact tracing in case of an outbreak and confirm whether they have had any contact with individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus or if they themselves have recently tested positive.
The first ships to make cruises between the islands will be the Mein Schiff II, from TUI and based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and the Europa II, from Hapag Lloyd, based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
