The Restart of River Cruising in Europe in August 2021
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Perhaps the burning question on many traveler’s minds is how the restart of river cruising is going in Europe?
I am sure many of you, especially the folks who plan to travel in Europe in 2021, want to know what the experience will be like and will it be safe.
So, here is the latest information I can find about resuming sailing and health protocols. I will provide sources to help provide as factual a report as possible but we have no real inside knowledge, so please accept this as an overview and, under no circumstances, consider this a source of the current requirements of each company—you must go to the individual company’s website and read their updates.
This is only a snapshot of 5 August 2021. The sailing dates and number of vessels sailing should be very accurate but policies will and have changed, so do not rely on this as a definitive source.
I want to emphasize this changes daily as governments and cruise lines adapt to the ever changing situation, but knowing a little about the return to the rivers is an important step in learning about how the 8 companies we follow are restarting their operations.
Overview
None of the cruise lines are at full operations, as they gradually restart. Some lines will not reach full operations in 2021.
It seems pretty clear the trend is you must be vaccinated against COVID at least 14 days prior to your trip, or you will be denied access to many activities in Europe. Even with vaccinations, there will still be some mask requirements during your travels. 7 out of 8 lines now require vaccination proof and I am almost certain Tauck will soon follow suit.
Some European countries are requiring up to a 10-day quarantine period for unvaccinated travelers (Source: Insider Travel Report 5 August 2021). It is clear to me and all the river cruise lines that they just can’t provide the proper guest experience with unvaccinated travelers.
At present, all meals will be served on all river cruise lines, as the traditional buffets for breakfast and lunch are not being used by any of these 8 lines.
It is also clear, each line takes safety and health very seriously and all seem to have excellent procedures in place.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways resumed sailing in Europe on 3 July 2021. They are currently sailing on the Douro, the Rhône, the Danube and the Rhine.
Vaccinations are required and you must answer an online health survey and provide details of pre and post travel. At embarkation, there will be a temperature check. Luggage handles will be sanitized before delivery to your staterooms. Masks will be required at interior public locations but protocols continue to change. Ample hand sanitizers are available in several locations on the ship. There is no recirculating air in the stateroom. Limitations on the number of guests on each sailing is currently in effect. Bikes are sanitized after each use. No visitors are allowed on the ships. Shore excursions will be in small groups. The crew is well trained in protocols for health and sanitation and will wear face coverings. (Source: AmaWaterways website).
Avalon
Avalon, owned by Globus, has restarted sailing in July 2021.
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required for all Avalon cruises. Avalon has instituted a “Cruise with Confidence” policy to insure health and safety without taking away from the joy of traveling with them. They emphasize smaller number of passengers sailing on each ship (no more than 150 guests), a commitment to clean ships, fresh air inside and out (air is not circulated between staterooms), a safe crew who will take measures to ensure guest comfort and health and safety procedures and new technology to help ensure cleanliness. (Source Avalon River Cruise website).
Crystal
The 4 ships of Crystal have not returned to cruising yet in Europe. The Crystal Ravel and Crystal Debussy plan to return to sailing on the last days of August 2021. (Source Sea Trade Cruise News).
As of 27 July 2021, Crystal requires all guests to be fully vaccinated. Crystal protocols are named “Crystal Clean+--version 6.0). It starts with secure online Declaration of Safety, providing them a true picture of your health. The next item is vigilance aboard and ashore, with temperature checks, disinfected all off shore luggage and compliance with all local health regulations. They emphasize “in space we trust” by fewer guests per square foot in the river cruise industry on 135 meter ships. The next item is called ‘purified to perfection” with each guest stateroom frequently disinfected and electrostatic fogging with medical grade disinfectants. These are also used in the next protocol, named “high-frequency purification” of public areas. “Fresh air” is achieved by not having recirculated air onboard. Thy also use a “responsive mask policy” by remaining nimble but meeting government compliance. They will also display common-sense precautions reminders called “our pact for safety”. (Source: Crystal Cruises website).
Emerald
The Emerald cruise line just restarted sailing on 31 July 2021 on the Douro River.
Emerald requires all guest to be fully vaccinated. Emerald emphasizes its “Peace of Mind” pledge to provide their guests “comfort, well-being and assurance you need on your journey”. These include a medical evaluation prior to boarding which include a vaccination for all guests. Their dedicated crew will ensure health and safety protocols will be practiced on a daily basis. Guests will be looked after by a healthy crew. They also emphasize contact free check-in and check-out; frequent briefing and screenings; enhanced cleaning commitment in staterooms and public areas; socially aware dining; no recirculated air in the ship; small groups during shore excursions; carefully selected local partners to ensure safety and health; and wellness throughout your journey. (Source Emerald Website).
Scenic
Scenic has already started sailing in Portugal on the Douro River.
Scenic requires all guests to be fully vaccinated. All guests will be required to complete a pre-departure medical health evaluation. Your temperature will be check during embarkation. Scenic is the parent company of Emerald and has adapted the same procedures as Emerald, which I covered in more detail in their section of this blog. (Source Scenic Cruise website).
Tauck
The famous tour company.is not currently sailing in Europe but will resume operation on 25 August on the Rhine.
Tauck is not requiring that all guests be vaccinated, however if a country, establishments or public transportation require vaccination, all guests must comply. If the guest is not fully vaccinated, they must present a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure. All Tauck guests are required to sign their Travel Wellness Pledge and COVID-19 Liability Waiver. (Source Sea Trade Cruise News and Tauck Website).
I expect Tauck to require vaccinations to travel.
Uniworld
Owned by the Travel Corporation, Uniworld began its 2021 season on 20 June 2021 on the Po River in Italy, then in France on 27 June 2021.
All guests traveling between 13 August and 31 December are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel on their ships. All guests must complete a Travel Declaration prior to embarkation and during boarding there will be a temperature check. Hand sanitation will be required before entering public spaces. Housekeeping will disinfect public area touch points often daily. Contactless payment procedures will be practiced. Stateroom will be thoroughly cleaned daily. Crew will be trained on enhanced health protocols. (Source Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Website).
Viking
The largest river cruise company is sailing in Portugal, France and now on the Rhine. Viking is celebrating its anniversary today—they started sailing 24 years ago today.
All Viking sailings are available exclusively for vaccinated guests, until further notice. (Source Viking River Cruise Website Frequently Ask Questions). They are also recommending, but not requiring a PRC test 72 hours prior to sailing. Viking has partnered with VerFLY to upload a digital copy of the vaccination certificate that will be required for each guest. Viking has instituted a Health and Safety Program which includes a saliva PRC test, new air purification technology installed on all Viking ships, and additional health checks, sanitation and physical distancing to protect Viking guests and crew during the journey. (Source Viking River Cruises Website).
My Final Thoughts
It sure has been a strange 18 months for the travel industry but I truly believe river cruising in Europe will rebound strongly. Each of these 8 lines have instituted sound procedures to enhance the safety and health of their guests.
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HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
