Coronavirus: P&O cruise passengers to undergo ‘rigorous’ pre-boarding medical checks

President Paul Ludlow says widespread changes can be expected onboard when bookings re-open

P&O Cruises Arcadia at sea. Courtesy P&O Cruises

Passengers wishing to travel with P&O Cruises will have to pass “rigorous” health checks before being allowed to travel amid the coronavirus outbreak, the company’s president said.

The UK’s largest cruise liner, which was set to reveal its biggest ever ship this summer, has suspended all sailings until at least July 31.

President Paul Ludlow said his team would be working with health authorities to ensure safety measures are adhered to “without compromising enjoyment and experience”.

“These new stringent measures which may, no doubt, encompass rigorous pre-embarkation screening, changes to the onboard experience for guests and also working with our shore experience operators and ports of call, will be in place as soon as we reintroduce our ships,” he told PA.

“We will then get used to them in the same way as we got used to airline hand luggage restrictions. They will become the new normal and they will give us reassurance and peace of mind.”

Reducing passenger numbers, getting rid of self-service buffets and introducing one-way systems on board are among the measures being considered.

“Cruising, like many businesses, will incorporate changes and learnings from the past months into future ways of working. We are taking advice from all the relevant authorities on keeping to any new guidelines, whether they be temporary or more permanent,” Mr Ludlow told Cruise Critic in a separate interview.

“These may include more stringent health declarations, perhaps fewer guests or social distancing. There may even be necessary dining or itinerary changes.”

P&O had been set to unveil its new ship Iona, which will have the capacity to take in more than 5,000 passengers and had been due to set sail for Norway.

“Iona’s final outfitting will continue and she will be delivered to us before too long. Once we know the exact schedule then we can look at the cruises,” Mr Ludlow said.

“Regarding the maiden season in Norway – again at the moment we are looking at the current guidelines for travel and talking to the various ports of call and will update when we can.”