Italy is a popular travel destination for many reasons, from its rich history and culture to its stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine. One way that visitors often choose to explore Italy is by taking a cruise, allowing them to see multiple cities and regions in one trip. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers are wondering if Italy is open to cruise ships at this time.
Current Regulations
As of July 2021, Italy is open to cruise ships with some restrictions in place. The Italian government has implemented a color-coded system that designates regions as either “white,” “yellow,” “orange,” or “red” based on their level of COVID-19 risk. Different rules apply for cruise ships depending on the region they are visiting.
In white and yellow zones, which currently include most of Italy’s popular tourist destinations such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, there are no restrictions on disembarking from the ship. Passengers can freely explore these areas but must follow local health guidelines such as wearing masks indoors and maintaining social distance.
In orange zones, which currently include some areas in southern Italy, passengers are allowed to disembark from the ship but must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result before doing so.
In red zones, which currently include only a few small regions in Italy’s south, disembarkation from the ship is not allowed except for emergencies or medical reasons.
Safety Measures
To ensure the safety of passengers and crew members on board cruise ships in Italian waters, the Italian government has implemented several measures:
- All passengers must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding the ship.
- Cruise companies must have plans in place for isolating any passengers who test positive for COVID-19 while on board.
- Cruise companies must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to all passengers and crew members.
- Cruise companies must follow strict cleaning and disinfection protocols on board the ship.
Future Changes
It’s important to note that regulations regarding cruise ships in Italy can change quickly and frequently depending on the COVID-19 situation in the country. As such, it’s essential for travelers to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates before planning a trip.
In addition, some Italian officials have suggested that the country may soon require all visitors, including those arriving by cruise ship, to provide a “green pass” showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. If this requirement is implemented, it could potentially impact travelers’ ability to visit certain regions of Italy.
Conclusion
In summary, Italy is currently open to cruise ships with some restrictions and safety measures in place. Passengers should be prepared to provide proof of vaccination or negative test results and follow local health guidelines while exploring Italian destinations. As always, travelers should stay informed about any changes or updates before planning a trip to Italy.