Emergency transport experts CMAC Group partners with SMS International Shore Operations to provide COVID-19 testing shuttle service for cruise ship passengers
Leading managed transport and accommodation provider CMAC Group is gearing up for a busy summer following the news that cruise lines can once again operate international sailings.
Pre-pandemic, the global cruise industry was worth a whopping £108bn and supported 1.2 million jobs.
But after holidays were banned for English travellers back in March 2020, and liners were forced to moor vessels across the world, the industry suffered a hard hit and there was much uncertainty on when passengers and crew would be welcomed back.
The return to the waters has been eagerly anticipated.
But what does the future look like for those travelling this year?
With the long-awaited news that the ban on international cruises will be lifted on 2nd August, following the return of domestic cruises on 17th May, companies are going to exceptional lengths to keep their ships virus free.
SMS – International Shore Operations, the market-leading cruise passenger logistics provider, works with many of the world’s leading cruise lines and has been an integral part of the newly introduced on site health screenings and rapid COVID-19 testing for all passengers and crew ahead of boarding.
In an extra effort to safeguard passengers and staff, they have partnered with CMAC Group to provide a safe shuttle service for guests who receive a negative COVID-19 test. The ‘return to cruise’ offering from CMAC enables cruise lines to safely transport people from the testing site to their ship by minimising passenger contact.
Alongside this, the global cruise-industry giant has helped to implement a brand-new touchless check-in system ahead of a busy season. Responsible for all guest shore operations, SMS-ISO are now mid-way through their first cruise season in Liverpool and are proud to be part of the team that brought one of their most valued clients to The Mersey, to commence their first passenger cruises anywhere in the world in over a year, with the eagerly awaited arrival of Disney Cruise Lines, Disney Magic.
Christopher Blanchard, Executive Vice President at SMS, commented “We are excited to be back to business and supporting the safe restart of travel for our many cruise line clients. Following successful test cruises, which gave our teams the chance to work through the new health and safety protocols, we are pleased to say that the very first revenue cruises are underway. This is a positive for the sector and we are looking forward to welcoming back cruise guests at ports, for both domestic and international travel, throughout the season.”
Blanchard also added “This could not have been made possible without the cooperation of many partners, of which CMAC Group are a valuable member of the team.”
Speaking on behalf of CMAC Group, CEO Peter Slater says “The decision to allow the restart of international cruise is a huge boost for the industry, it allows the sector to begin the rebuild following a challenging and difficult time for the sector. As always, CMAC is here to support the cruise industry in providing safe and reliable transport to and from the ports for both guests and staff. Whether this is traditional door-to-door services or shuttles from the test centre, our dedicated team are here to help ensure it is safe to sail.”
It was announced on Wednesday 28th July that cruises can start in England, call at foreign ports and then return to England without vaccinated passengers having to quarantine. Restrictions were dropped on August 2.
