Swan Hellenic, the Nicosia based expedition cruise line, said that it has introduced valid Covid-19 vaccination as a pre-embarkation medical requirement for all crew and staff.

“The vaccination cycle will be carried out at recruitment centres or in the home countries of the crew members in accordance with current local guidelines and approved medical protocols,” the company said in a statement.

So far, Saga Cruises that operates two high end of the market cruise ships on the UK market, has decided to require Covid-19 as a precondition for boarding.

Swan Hellenic said this decisive action to protect staff and guests on the iconic cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s new ice-class ships completes an industry-leading package of health measures to ensure a safe environment on board.

“First and foremost, its fleet of three new ships is being built with the very latest hygiene technology and to the highest standards in consultation with world-leading onboard healthcare and public health experts Vikand. All the onboard air conditioning plants, for example, are UV sanitised using the most advanced technology,” the company said.

In addition, all Swan Hellenic staff are trained and monitored in implementing all the procedures and practices specified by industry standards and required by the authorities at time of sailing, including the routine regular pre-boarding and on-board tests, as well as rigorous sanitising of the ships’ public areas, staterooms, technical areas and crew and staff quarters, the company said.