Domestic cruises in the UK could resume from 17 May, according to the maritime minister.
The All Party Parliamentary Maritime and Ports Group said that Robert Courts MP made the announcement in a meeting on Monday.
Under the current “roadmap” for easing lockdown restrictions, 17 May is the earliest date which could see foreign and domestic holidays resume.
The firm P&O Cruises said it was “delighted” by the acknowledgement.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “roadmap” says that indoor dining, hostels, hotels and B&Bs could open in England from 17 May, depending on factors such as the prevalence of coronavirus and how the vaccination rollout is going.
International travel could also resume at that date.
A statement from the Department for Transport said that restarting domestic cruising in England “will be aligned with the wider resumption of the domestic tourism and indoor hospitality sectors”.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We are delighted that the government has acknowledged that UK domestic cruise holidays can begin from 17 May.
“While it will take some weeks after this date for us to restart our operations, we are very much looking forward to welcoming guests on board this summer”.
Mr Ludlow said that further details on ships, itineraries and dates for domestic cruise holidays will be announced by the firm later this month.
“We strongly welcome the announcement that cruise will be included alongside the restart of other domestic tourism in the UK,” the UK Chamber of Shipping and Cruise Lines International Association said in a joint statement.
“The industry has been working with the government over the last year on health protocols which put the safety of our passengers and crew first. Many of these protocols have already been tested successfully where cruise has been able to operate elsewhere in Europe.”
Some cruise lines have, however, cancelled international sailings for the summer.
P&O Cruises recently announced it would extend its ban on international holiday voyages through until the end of September, while Princess Cruises has also said it was looking into launching domestic cruise trips on its Regal Princess and Sky Princess ships “departing in late summer”.
River Cruising
A river cruise is the perfect combination of relaxation and escorted touring, offering a unique and leisurely way to see the world. Travelling by river takes you right into the heart of the cities you visit en route, and busy days of sightseeing are interspersed with scenic cruising through beautiful countryside. Whether you’re cruising along the Seine, the Douro, the Danube, the Rhine or the Nile, you’ll experience the magic of river travel whilst enjoying delicious cuisine, enriching lectures and local entertainment. If you’re not a fan of large ship cruising on the open seas, this may just be the perfect option for you.
River Cruise Tour locations
British Isles
The British Isles offers captivating scenery, sprawling countryside, ancient historical sites, culture-rich cities and more. It’s so often the case that many who live on this Sceptred Isle never really explore the delights it has to offer, and yet there is a lifetime of hidden treasures a stone’s throw from home.
From the secluded pockets of the Shetlands and the cosmopolitan vibe of Belfast to the majestic Lochs of the Highlands and the Neolithic wonder of Skara Brae, a cruise around the British Isles will live long in the memory.
Explore the pretty village of Tobermory and unearth the amazing geology of Skye. Or go in search of myths and legends: visit Falmouth, the birthplace of King Arthur; Rosyth, where the secrets of the Knights Templar await; and Invergordon, from where the search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster can begin.
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