If you are an avid cruise enthusiast, you must have heard of test cruises. For those who are not familiar, test cruises are simulated voyages that allow cruise ships to test their COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures before they resume full operations. If you are wondering how you can get on a test cruise, this article is for you.
What is a Test Cruise?
A test cruise is a mock voyage that cruise lines conduct to demonstrate their compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements. These requirements include testing all crew members and passengers for COVID-19 before embarkation and disembarkation, ensuring proper sanitation measures onboard, and implementing social distancing guidelines.
Who Can Go on a Test Cruise?
Test cruises are not open to the general public. Only volunteers who meet certain criteria can participate in these simulated voyages. The CDC requires that all volunteers be at least 18 years old and either fully vaccinated or free from pre-existing medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
How Can You Sign Up for a Test Cruise?
If you meet the CDC’s eligibility requirements, you can sign up for a test cruise through your preferred cruise line’s website or by contacting their customer service department. Once you express your interest in participating in a simulated voyage, the cruise line will send you an email with all the necessary information about the trial voyage.
What Should You Expect on a Test Cruise?
Test cruises follow similar itineraries as regular voyages but with minimal port stops. The main objective of these simulated voyages is to test COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures onboard. Therefore, expect frequent testing throughout the voyage, mandatory mask-wearing in public areas, limited capacity in dining venues and entertainment spaces, and social distancing guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to pay for a test cruise?
- Can I bring a guest on a test cruise?
- Is there a limit on how many test cruises I can go on?
- Will I receive compensation for participating in a test cruise?
No, test cruises are free of charge. However, you may incur additional expenses such as travel costs to the port of embarkation and onboard purchases.
No, the CDC only allows volunteers to participate in simulated voyages.
Yes, the CDC limits volunteers to only one test cruise per ship.
No, volunteers do not receive any monetary compensation for participating in these simulated voyages.
Conclusion
Participating in a test cruise is an excellent way of supporting the safe resumption of full-scale cruising. If you meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the CDC and your preferred cruise line, sign up for a simulated voyage today. You will not only get to enjoy a mini-vacation but also contribute to ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members onboard.