WINDSTAR CRUISES’ BEYOND ORDINARY CARE PROGRAM

A long-term, multi-layered program designed to create a safer environment aboard all of Windstar Cruises’ ships, the Beyond Ordinary Care program utilizes key hospital-grade elements: HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus EvaClean with PurTab to sanitize all surfaces throughout each yacht. Additionally, Windstar has consulted with the epidemiology department at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Center to create a safer experience for guests on Windstar’s yachts.

As part of the cruise line’s multi-million dollar investment in the health and safety of its guests, every ship will have hospital grade HEPA filters with UV-C light installed in its HVAC system before returning to operation. These HEPA filters are designed to catch all particles in the air that are 0.3 microns, or larger, in size. This level of filtration will be e?ective in filtering out bacteria, mold, dust, allergens, and many viruses.

The second component to be added to the HVAC systems are UV-C lights. UV-C light has been scientifically proven to be an e?ective disinfecting and sanitizing agent against microorganisms that may be present within the air supply. UV-C technology has been used for many years in hospitals and operating rooms as a method of sanitizing. UV-C light has been proven to be e?ective at killing many di?erent types of bacteria and viruses such as norovirus and coronavirus. This component, in conjunction with the HEPA filtration, will allow for a high level of disinfection of the air supply within the HVAC system.

In addition to disinfecting the circulating air, the installation of these two components will drastically reduce the amount of microorganisms within the HVAC system. This, in turn, will reduce the amount of biofilm formation within the HVAC system components, which is a key factor in preventing Legionella growth and possible infection.

During pre-boarding, all guests are required to have completed a full course of COVID-19 vaccine at
least 14 days prior to embarkation. Proof of vaccination will be required at cruise terminal and includes the original vaccination record document issued by either the country’s health authority that administered the vaccination (i.e. U.S. CDC’s Vaccination Record Card) or the guest’s medical provider that administered the vaccination.

Onboard, electrostatic sprayers sanitize spaces and surfaces with a powerful, EPA-registered, hospital-grade sanitizing solution. Along with increased frequency of cleaning public spaces and high-touch points, ultraviolet-C light emitting wands will be used to disinfect public items. Masks must be worn indoors in public spaces except when eating and drinking, as well as worn on deck when unable to social distance (except when swimming).

When it comes to shore excursions, guests will, for the near term, need to book with Windstar shore excursion to go on land. All shore excursions will operate at reduced capacity and each has been vetted for health and safety protocols. Tenders, motor coaches, and smaller boats will operate at reduced capacity and will be cleaned between each use.

“Windstar’s holistic approach has multiple layers of safety at hospital grade standards, and when combined with responsible hygiene practices from guests, it’s the safest environment achievable with tech and science as we know it today,” said Dr. Michelle Barron, Medical Director of Infection Prevention at University of Colorado Hospital and Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, at University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Center. “When you’re sailing on a Windstar yacht, your biggest worry should be how to avoid a sunburn, not getting COVID-19.” 

SailSAFE™ Health and Safety Program from Regent Seven Seas Cruises^®

To protect its guests, crew and the communities its ships visit, Regent Seven Seas Cruises^® has developed a robust and comprehensive health and safety strategy with new and enhanced protocols to create multiple layers of protection against COVID-19. Regent’s SailSAFE™ program is a science-backed plan for a safe and healthy return to cruising and was developed in conjunction with a diverse group of globally recognized experts. This unique program will be continuously improved and refined using the best available science and technology.

Regent’s protocols and requirements will evolve to follow the science to make determinations on requirements as sailing dates approach. All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated, at least 2 weeks prior to embarkation, in order to board. Guests will need to provide proof of vaccination as provided to them at the time of their vaccination, therefore a photograph of a vaccination card is not sufficient.

To provide cleaner air for guests, Regent is strategically installing medical-grade air filters of the highest filtration grade, MERV 13 or HEPA according to the type of HVAC system installed on board. The upgraded H13 HEPA air filters are capable of removing 99.9% of airborne pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus), the virus that causes COVID-19. A new air treatment technology, bio-polar ionization, has also been adopted to continuously disinfect the air in occupied spaces.

Onboard medical capabilities have been enhanced with additional staffing relative to capacity and enhanced facilities. This includes an increase in intensive care unit capacity, new and upgraded equipment, onshore medical institution partnerships, telemedicine capabilities and additional robust consultation and treatment options. Onboard medical centers are abundantly stocked with common prescription medications, remedies, and virus-testing equipment.

To provide the utmost safety for guests, Regent has designed an enhanced, staggered embarkation process and new check-in system to streamline check in for guests by allowing documents to be signed electronically. Additionally, embarkation terminals will be disinfected continuously, and where possible, fogged before and after each embarkation and debarkation. Initially, Regent will control the guest capacity on board each ship to provide even more space for responsible physical distancing. Comprehensive enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols have been implemented throughout the cruise experience and a 24/7 prevention schedule features continual disinfection of public areas and high-traffic touch points using EPA-approved disinfectants. Guest accommodations will receive intensive non-toxic microbial disinfection daily.

For added peace of mind, each ship will have a dedicated Public Health Officer on board. This expert is responsible for the oversight of all outbreak prevention initiatives. They will oversee the day-to day sanitation and cleanliness of all public areas and accommodations.

If a positive case of COVID-19 occurs, Regent has various contact tracing methodologies in place to identify and notify those who may have been exposed. Regent has developed a thorough mobilization and response plan focused on providing medical treatment, collaborating with local authorities and coordinating safe passage home for all guests and crew should the need arise.

Complimentary consultations and treatments are provided for respiratory illnesses as well as dedicated isolation accommodations should the need arise.