Major cruise lines now require negative coronavirus tests before boarding

The rules will apply to ships with capacity for 250 or more people

Major cruise lines now require negative coronavirus tests before boarding (Getty Images)

Passengers travelling with major cruise operators will be expected to provide evidence that they’ve tested negative for coronavirus before they board a ship in future.

Members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world's largest cruise industry trade association, have committed to making the requirement mandatory for everyone boarding a vessel that carries 250 or more people, including crew.

In a statement, the trade association said: “CLIA ocean cruise line members worldwide have agreed to conduct 100 per cent testing of passengers and crew on all ships with a capacity to carry 250 or more persons – with a negative test required for any embarkation.

"This is a travel industry first and an example of the cruise industry leading the way.

“We see testing as an important initial step to a multi-layered approach that we believe validates the industry's commitment to making health, safety, and the well-being of the passengers, the crew, and the communities we visit our top priority."

Some of the most well-known brands in the cruising industry, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean and MSC, are all CLIA members.

Most cruise trips around the world have been cancelled in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Some operators have extended cancellations to 2021, especially where itineraries involve round-the-world travel or a greater number of stops.

However, ocean cruising has restarted in pockets. MSC has started cruising in the Mediterranean for Italian passengers, while in Scotland smaller ships have been leading the charge with the resumption of cruising.

At the moment, the UK government is still advising against ocean cruising. However, river cruising is exempt.