Domestic cruising from UK ports can start 17 May alongside of other domestic travel, a move that the cruise industry has welcomed.

“We strongly welcome the announcement that cruise will be included alongside the restart of other domestic tourism in the UK,” said Andy Harmer, director, CLIA UK & Ireland, in a 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.”

"The industry has long planned a phased restart for cruise, with domestic cruises representing the first stage of this plan. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the Government, including through the Global Travel Taskforce in order to ensure the safe restart of international cruise in time for the summer season,” Harmer stated.

As per 7 March, 22.4 million people or roughly a third of the country’s population has received vaccination against Covid-19,media reports say.

Photo: Liverpool Pier Head