The government has released fresh guidance regarding the restart of domestic cruises, confirming that restrictions will be in place regarding the number of passengers.

The latest information states that no more than 1,000 passengers will be allowed to board a ship between 17 May and 21 June.

From 21 June, the government hopes to “remove all legal limits on social contact”. This includes lifting capacity limits for domestic cruises.

Domestic cruises are scheduled to start in late May, with MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC Virtuosa departing Southampton on 20 May. Viking is also due to set sail in May.

However, a majority of lines that have announced UK cruises are planning to resume operations later in the summer.

The Department for Transport guidance states: “Domestic cruises will be able to operate with up to 1,000 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lower. This capacity limit applies to passengers only.

“Covid-secure guidance will continue to apply. Groups of more than six people or two households will not be allowed to mix indoors – whether or not they originally booked in the same group.”

The DfT reiterated that it is currently illegal to travel abroad for holidays at the present time and that Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office “advises against international sea-going cruise travel based on the latest public health medical advice”.