In an effort to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew, luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises is implementing a series of strict health and safety procedures.

As part of the new measures, passengers will be required to complete a Covid-19 test prior to departure and also provide a printed copy of their negative test result at check-in.

Along with the pre-check-in test, passengers will also be required to have a test taken upon arrival for boarding. Only passengers with a negative test result will be able to board the ship.

The new double testing measures are part of Crystal Cruises’ new Crystal Clean + health and safety protocols. The new protocols, released in July, enhance health and safety on board, including boarding, life on board, shore excursions and disembarkation.

Crystal Clean + also includes standards and practises for crew members.

The new guidelines include recommendations provided by CLIA to the US US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

In accordance with the protocols, passengers will have to social distance on board, have valid Covid-friendly travel insurance and undergo regular temperature checks.

Self-serve and buffet dining will be eliminated, as well as self-guided shore excursions and all public areas and guest accommodation will be regularly deep cleaned.

Other protocols include high-frequency purification, which will stretch to every restaurant, lounge, gym, casino, restroom, corridor, nightclub and theatre. This will also include the cleaning of these areas with hospital-grade disinfectant.

Discussing the new double testing measures, a spokesperson for the brand said: “Guests who do not comply with this requirement will not be permitted to re-board the ship.”

The new Covid-19 health and safety regulations will apply across Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal Expedition Cruises.

The luxury cruise line has currently suspended its operations, cancelling all 2020 voyages and only resuming sailings on 7 January 2021.

Passengers and agents can read the full set of Crystal Cruises guidelines here.