The German travel brand TUI Cruises unveiled there was hope ahead for some voyages to relaunch from October 2020. Local officials in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands) said ship cruises could restart in months after a 6-month freeze. TUI is among the first major cruise lines interested in the new itineraries.
Santa Cruz is expected to receive nearly 1500 passengers weekly - from the end of October - following the 6-month suspension caused by the pandemic.
TUI would start the Canaries season with liners at 60% max passenger capacity and "bubble excursions" (small groups) in order to lessen the risk of infections. The port city is proposing to offer an empty hotel that would accommodate any guest who gets the virus during the voyage.
For the time being, TUI's new program will be restricted to the Canaries only, and Las Palmas Gran Canaria is used as the second homeport in the region.
To all British vacationers are offered fly-cruise deals, but they will still have to quarantine on the return to the UK in case the 14-day rule is still in place. Travelers returning to the UK from Spain (including the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands) also must do self-isolation at home. In case they fail to comply they could face fines of up to GBP 1000.