Avalon Waterways has announced that it is planning to resume sailings in September and in anticipation of the relaunch, it has developed a new Avalon Assurance health and safety programme.

The river cruise line’s new Avalon Assurance programme currently features seven categories and protocols that span across guest experience touch-points.

Among the company’s planned changes are mandatory health screenings for passengers, including touch-free temperature checks and luggage disinfection, prior to onboarding.

Avalon is also introducing new technologies, including Electrostatic cleaning systems and UV disinfecting systems.

Hand sanitiser stations will be placed throughout the ship (including all public areas) and crew services will replace buffet and self-serve stations.

Cruise ship capacity will be reduced and alternative dining venues added to allow for social distancing, and guests and crew will be provided with masks, as needed or required.

Crew will be required to have medical screenings and certificates of health, and social distancing in crew living quarters and ongoing training in PPE use and hygiene will be implemented.

In addition, Avalon Waterways has said that it is reviewing excursion standards and protocols with partners across the globe.

CEO of Avalon Waterways UK, Giles Hawke, said: “The world has changed but what remains certain is our steadfast commitment to our guests’ safety, comfort and peace-of-mind.

“We have established a Global Health & Safety team dedicated to ensuring that the cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s standards from start-to-finish.

“We will continue to review and update our Assurance initiatives as we make the pivot back to the world’s waterways. We are looking at 1 September 2020 for that.

“While we place a spotlight on guest safety and well-being, we will also deliver to our travellers a wonderful holiday.

“An escape that invites them to take part in the joy of discovering new places, new people and new cultures – everything they already expect from an Avalon Waterways cruise.”

Visit avalonwaterways.com for more information.