Swan Hellenic has introduced valid Covid-19 vaccination as a pre-embarkation requirement for all staff and crew.

The expedition line said vaccinations will be completed at recruitment centres or in the home countries of the crew members. The “decisive action” has been taken to “protect staff and guests on the new ice-class ships”, Swan Hellenic said in a statement.

It follows Saga and American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines in outlining vaccination procedures.

In addition, all Swan Hellenic staff members are being trained to implement procedures specified by industry standards and required by the authorities at time of sailing, including “regular pre-boarding and on-board tests, as well as rigorous sanitising of the ships’ public areas, staterooms, technical areas and crew and staff quarters”, the statement added.

Swan Hellenic recently held a keel-laying ceremony for Vega, the second of three expedition ships being built at the Helsinki shipyard.

Minerva, the first ship in the series, will be delivered in November 2021, while Vega is due early the following year. The third vessel, which will be larger than its sister ships, is scheduled to launch towards the end of 2022.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito said: “We are totally committed to the health and peace of mind of our guests and crews, ensuring they can relax and focus entirely on the life-enriching opportunities we offer to see what others don’t.”

• Read more about what vaccines mean for the cruise sector in the latest CTN Investigates special report.