Cruise1st Package Holiday Terms & Conditions

Covid-19 Cruise Travel & Cancellation Advice

As the risk of exposure to coronavirus (Covid-19) continues, cruising may look a little different to what you are used to.

At Cruise1st we want to help you know exactly what to expect from your trip and feel confident and excited about travelling again. We maintain excellent relationships with our cruise partners and are in daily contact with them as they are constantly assessing their upcoming sailings to ensure they are operating in accordance with the latest Government Advice to share with you.

For the latest government advice regarding cruise travel, see GOV UK. You can also find the latest ABTA Covid-19 travel advice here.

Travel protection with Cruise1st

Cruise1st is financially protected by ABTA which means that, under UK legislation, we are obligated to follow an industry Code of Conduct to protect your holiday arrangements. In addition to that, your holiday is ATOL protected, providing customer financial protection when purchasing a package holiday with us. Here at Cruise1st we are confident your holiday is fully covered!

We want to reassure you that your money is safe and secure when booking with us. Plus, future cruise vouchers will be offered for all affected sailings that have been cancelled, which can be transferred to an alternative booking of your choice. Future Cruise Vouchers function as a monetary credit to use towards or pay off a new Cruise booking. These vouchers do have expiry dates on them so check with us that they are still valid. It is worthwhile using these vouchers as they are of a higher value than the original amount that you will have paid for your cruise.

Call our cruise travel advice line

Your safety is our priority, and we continue to do everything we possibly can to take care of our loyal and valued customers.

If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming cruise, please do not hesitate to call our dedicated UK-based cruise specialists for free on 0161 385 7425.

Cruise line Covid-19 information

Our cruise operators continue to ensure your journey is as safe as possible, whilst maximising your cruise experience.

You can find specific travel information related to your cruise line, such as requirements prior to departure and regulations onboard, by clicking on the logos below.

Travel insurance with Covid-19 cover

We partner with Just Travel Cover to help you compare prices and cover from multiple leading travel insurers in one place. The Travel Policies offered do now include cover for Covid-19 for peace of mind.

Covid-19 Cruise Travel FAQs

1. Do I need to be vaccinated to travel?

Passengers should check the health protocols with their chosen cruise line, as vaccination requirements may vary. In most cases, you will need to demonstrate that you have received a full course of Covid-19 vaccination, with the final dose having been administered no less than 14 days before departing.

However, some cruise lines may accept proof of negative PCR test results or a Certificate of Recovery.

2. What tests do I need to take before, during and after my cruise?

Pre-departure UK:

Countries and destinations have their own requirements for entry and some may require you to take an approved pre-departure test. You can check the requirements for the country or countries you are visiting, as well as which tests are needed, via the foreign travel advice page on GOV.UK.

Returning to the UK:

As of 11 February 2022, fully vaccinated passengers and under 18s arriving in the UK from will no longer need to take a test on their return.

Unvaccinated passengers arriving in the UK from 11 February 2022 will no longer need to take a PCR test on day eight of their return or self-isolate for 10 days. However, they will be required to take a pre-departure test before departing for the UK and a PCR test on day two following their return.

3. What happens if someone in my group tests positive for Covid-19?

If someone within your travel party tests positive for Covid-19 and you are either living in the same household or have been in contact within 14 days of your cruise departure, unfortunately most cruise lines will not allow you to sail with them.

Please check the health protocols and requirements with your cruise line ahead of travel.

4. What do I do if I test positive for Covid-19 just before my cruise?

If you test positive for Covid-19 before your cruise, you may be permitted to travel if you have tested negative in the 14 days before your cruise departs.

However, if you are testing positive within 14 days of departure, your cruise line will not allow you to travel.

5. What if my cruise is cancelled?

Unfortunately, there may come a time where your cruise line cancels a cruise before departure. At Cruise1st, we are here to reassure you that your money is safe and secure in the event of a cancellation. Future cruise vouchers will be offered for all affected sailings that have been cancelled, which can be transferred to an alternative future cruise booking.

6. What happens if my holiday changes whilst I am away?

Cruise1st and partner cruise lines reserve the right to make adjustments to travel itineraries to consider passenger safety, comfort and enjoyment which may include, but is not limited to: weather conditions, technical problems with transport or local conditions at ports of call.

Occasionally, cruise sailings may be cancelled, altered or terminated early for reasons of Force Majeure.