Hoping to attract more British tourists, especially over winter months, the Canary Islands (Spanish autonomous territory) is in a deal to accept COVID-19 antigen tests from travellers from high-risk countries, including the UK.
The Canaries archipelago was added to the UK travel corridor in October, with the islands passing legislation asking for negative COVID tests on arrival.
The new deal will allow cruise passengers to use antigen tests as proof they're Covid-free. Unlike RT-PCR tests, antigen tests give results within 30 minutes and are cheaper. Typical Coronavirus PCR tests cost up to GBP 175, while antigen tests can be purchased for GBP 49.
The move aims to encourage more tourists from the UK, including cruisers, to visit the Canaries.
Many cruise shipping companies resume operations in 2021. Saga Cruises' newest ship - Spirit of Adventure, is scheduled to sail her maiden voyage to the Canary Islands in February 2021.
Other lines that sail to the islands include Fred Olsen, Marella UK and P&O UK.