P&O Covid Protocols

[sweetp12]

We just got off the Explorer which went to Covid Amber status during the cruise so I thought I would share with you what we noticed.

 

Pre-Cruise

You needed to complete your vaccination status on cruise control and then upload your vaccination proof on verifly.  72 hours prior to the cruise you could upload a declaration if you had a PCR test or 24hrs if you did a self administered RAT test - you need to take a photo of the RAT test.

 

These were not checked for every passenger, but they randomly checked people who were in the queue / bag check.

 

Mask Wearing

They were super vigilant about mask wearing - they required this in all public venues.  They had people at the entry to the marquee, black circus, pantry and waterfront handing out KN95 masks and would not let you in without one.  People who were wearing their own masks were told to either change them out or put the KN95 over the top.

 

We did see a few people try to say that a surgical mask was good enough but the crew turned them away - someone even tried to show a piece of paper (didn't see the outcome but the crew member was being very strong on no mask, no entry).  

 

In general mask wearing was very high - although I felt it did lead to people spending less time in public spaces and less purchasing of drinks (just a casual observation).  

 

You were able to take your mask off when sitting at a table for a meal, but if you got up it needed to go back on. 

 

Hygiene and Cleaning

There were always crew members cleaning handrails, elevator buttons etc.  

 

Our cabin stewards sprayed the outside of our cabin door (handle, lock etc) at least once a day with something (disinfectant?) which they left on for a bit. Even things like the do not disturb sign were cleaned regularly.

 

In the elevators there is a UV sanitation unit which cleaned the air

 

In General

 

We had regular announcements in the days prior reminding us re mask wearing but when we got moved to Amber status we had a few days of "public service" announcements reminding us of the protocols being developed in conjunction with state and federal guidelines to assist the safe return of cruising!  They reminded us to call medical if we had any symptoms and the assessment, including a RAT test would be at no charge. 

 

Under Amber Status

 

They closed the kids club (although they still ran a lot of family activities outside / in larger venues) however they reopened this a day later.

 

The laundries where closed as they were considered areas that could have high mingling of people.

 

They moved to table service only for the bars

 

In the black circus and marque they closed off some of the seating (although this seemed a bit random, they just put a line down to create segments rather than breaking up seats in to groups so it led to things like a row of 5 having the last seat blocked off rather than the middle seat!)

 

We were required to do a RAT test between 8am and 12pm on the day prior to disembarkation.  We were required to take a photo of the results and this would be subject to random checking.  They provided the RAT test, instructions, biohazard disposal bag etc.   

 

They started streaming events into the cabin tv, across the outdoor big screen and into the black circus - things like the disembarkation talk, the evening performance, cooking show etc.

 

Documentation

 

As part of the RAT test on the second to last day they provided a lot of information about what would happen if you tested positive.  They also provided a menu for lunch, dinner and breakfast which was a cut down of that days menu in the waterfront. 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 6, 2022 by sweetp12
forgot something!

[By The Bay]

Thanks for your detailed post.

[windsor26]

Thank you  very useful information and interesting they wanted specific masks so no 'homemade' pretty ones

[Blackiethesheep]

Thank you so much for the information.

Helped to clear up a few 'what ifs?' before we sail in November.

[Jandex]

This is very good to know. We are sailing on Pacific Adventure in November - does anyone know whether these processes have changed at all? Or are we still providing evidence of RATs etc…? 

[RKHOOKER]

It appears that P & O are a little behind the times. I called them up & their current policy is masks inside in all public areas unless eating or drinking & you must provide evidence of at least a negative RA test before boarding. Strange as Victoria have declared the pandemic over & from October 14 in all of Australia there is no more mandatory self isolation. I just hope they remove all the Covid requirements before my December cruise.

[AKAMum]

On 10/8/2022 at 9:23 AM, RKHOOKER said:

It appears that P & O are a little behind the times. 

 Those rules aren't P&O's decision - they're part of the current Eastern Seaboard Cruise Protocols that all cruise lines need to follow:

"5.1 Masks must be worn during embarking and disembarking, and indoors onboard where social distancing is not possible. Regular reminders will be critical to ensuring passengers adhere to the recommendation.
6.2 Passengers must have a PCR test within 72 hours before boarding, or a self-administered RAT within 24 hours before boarding. Pre-embarkation PCR testing must be done at private laboratories."

 

https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-06/Eastern-Seaboard-Cruise-Protocols.pdf