Onboard and ashore, the safety of its passengers has been paramount for the premium cruise travel brand PONANT. Since the start of the health crisis, the company has applied a rigorous ‘COVID-safe’ protocol and is now taking its already robust measures to a new level via introducing vaccination for passengers and crew.
Vaccination is among the flagship measures of the line’s latest protocol, requiring the persons 16+ years old onboard, be they guests or crew members, to be vaccinated prior to every cruise. They'll also have to show proof of a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours of boarding one of PONANT’s ships.
The measures are being introduced into a ‘COVID-safe’ zone aboard PONANT cruise ships, in effect a sealed health bubble based on a double protection principle. Decontamination and screening measures when boarding, ensuring those onboard do not have the virus, are backed up by health & safety protocols and barrier measures in force throughout the voyage.
PONANT introduced an Ultra Serenity policy with comprehensive and appropriate conditions. For new bookings until June 30, 2021, for a departure scheduled until March 31, 2023, travelers pay a deposit of just 25% and settle their balance 30 days prior to departure. They also have the option of canceling the cruise up to 30 days prior to departure, free of charge, with the full amount being credited to another reservation within 24 months of their initial departure date.
Optimal protection is provided by a COVID-included guarantee. In the event of a positive test within 30 days prior to sailing, customers can postpone or cancel the trip without charge, and receive a full refund of the amount they paid at the time of cancellation. The same also applies if the sailing cannot be operated.
For crew members: the goal is 100%, subject to restrictions in force in the country of residence. If not, a negative PCR test, then 10 days in quarantine, then another negative PCR test. Apart from voyages in Australia and New Zealand.