Silversea announced updates to its health and safety protocols in a letter to travel partners from Roberto Martinoli, Silversea President & CEO, on 01MAR.
Following relaxed cruise guidance by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as through the cruise line's own data collaboration with the Royal Caribbean Group Healthy Sail Panel, Silversea has updated its protocols for sailings departing in MAR 2022 and onwards.
Testing/Vaccination Protocols
Silversea will no longer require pre-embarkation testing at the pier, unless a specific port of call or country mandates it.
However, beginning with MAR 2022 sailings, clients will be required to present a negative PCR test result, administered by a verified third party within 2 days prior to boarding. Silversea also notes that, for the immediate future, should a guest not be able to arrange a test within the 2 days of boarding, Silversea will offer the test at the terminal prior to embarkation as an exception for a limited time only.
In addition, as of MAR 2022, the COVID-19 booster will be required for all eligible guests, provided the required time has passed after the completion of their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Only guests fully vaccinated with vaccines approved by WHO will be permitted to board. A copy of the vaccination certificate must be uploaded to "My Silversea," and guests' vaccination certificate or printed copy must be shown during the check-in and embarkation process.
Also beginning in MAR, Silversea will require that each guest ensures their COVID-19 vaccination status is up to date for both their country of residence and the intended countries they plan to visit. Similar to testing, the cruise line has seen that destinations across the globe are now updating validity dates for vaccination series. Many countries have differing rules (both based on residency and as entry requirements), with most now indicating an “up to date” COVID-19 vaccine includes an additional dose anywhere from 90 to 270 days past the original series completion date.
"Quite simply, the vaccine will no longer be considered up to date unless an additional dose has been received after a certain time has elapsed from the completion of the primary series. So while the booster (or an additional dose) is not necessarily a requirement to sail with us, an up to date vaccination series is," Martinoli said.
Mask Protocols
The wearing of masks during the cruise is now optional, and up to each guest’s discretion, with the exception of the casino, the theatre, and during muster drills where masks remain mandatory.
"While we recognize that the wearing of a mask is a personal choice, we do strongly encourage our guests to wear a mask whilst indoors aboard ship, other than when actively eating or drinking, or when in the privacy of their suite," Martinoli added.
In addition, staff and crew will continue to wear masks "for the foreseeable future."
Physical Distancing Protocols
Physical distancing among guests will no longer be required; although Silversea's crew will maintain this practice.
The cruise line notes that "with the uncertainty surrounding current travel regulations," protocols may continue to evolve, and may changed based on the requirements of a particular cruising region. In addition, Silversea adds that local regulations may require more stringent protocols, in which case the cruise line will comply with all local requirements and guidelines.
Silversea will also continue with its pre-cruise health screening and timed embarkation, and frequent handwashing is encouraged. Guests will continue to receive portable sanitization kits, and hand-sanitizing stations remain in accessible points throughout the ships.
For more information on Silversea's health and safety protocols, visit its web site.
