Guests aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' fleet will no longer be required to wear face masks, following the company's latest review of its onboard measures. The removal of masks is part of a gradual easing of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' COVID-19 safety protocols, although pre-boarding testing and the requirement for full vaccination will remain in place.
Guests will be asked to wear a face mask during their travels, as it will remain a requirement for some of the destinations they visit. Crew members will also continue to wear them for the time being.
The Balmoral is the first in the Fred. Olsen fleet to sail without the mask requirement, having departed Newcastle under the new measures on Wednesday. The new guidelines will apply to the Bolette's next departure from Southampton on May 22 and the Borealis's departure from Liverpool on May 25.
Peter Deer, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We have been regularly reviewing our onboard procedures and know this measure will be welcomed by our guests. Of course, we understand that some guests may prefer to continue wearing masks while moving around the ship, and this will be entirely at their discretion.”.
He added: “The health and well-being of our guests and crew remain our top priority, so we will be gradually easing our onboard protocols. Pre-departure testing will continue in our ports, and we know this is a measure that is supported by our guests. We will also continue to require all guests to be fully vaccinated to join us onboard. These measures help us ensure that our ships remain a safe and enjoyable way to explore the world.”.
