England reopens to international cruising

"The UK Government has also confirmed the go ahead for international cruise sailings to restart from England in line with Public Health England guidance. International cruise travel advice will be amended to encourage travellers to understand the risks associated with cruise travel and take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad," the statement said.

With cruise lines scheduling and filling itineraries well in advance of departure, the effects of the policy change are not likely to be felt immediately.

Domestic cruises have been allowed in the UK since 17 May 2021, following an effective moratorium the UK put on cruising from March 2020, with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office advising against cruise travel.

Alongside the return of international itineraries from England, the UK Government announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the "cruise industry" as a whole.

"To further support the safe restart of international cruise travel, the government and cruise industry have signed an MoU to help the industry build back from Covid-19 while protecting British nationals from future pandemic-related disruption," the government statement said. No details on what the agreement contained were included in the announcement.

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