sail with confidence
on board star clippers' sail boats
Updated october 6, 2022.
For the upcoming Winter season 2022/2023, we are pleased to announce that Covid-19 vaccinations will no longer be mandatory to board Star Clippers’ ships in Barbados, St. Maarten and Central America. Please refer to our Winter Season Health & hygiene protocols for the new procedures.
Health & hygiene protocols on board Star Clippers’ sailing ships, Winter season 2022/2023
With effect from:
- Royal Clipper Barbados to Panama 5 Nov 2022
- Star Clipper Barbados to Panama 19 Nov 2022
- Star Flyer St. Maarten to St. Maarten 26 Nov 2022
In order to continue our sailings we have prepared the highest health & safety protocols with regard to the prevention of Covid-19. These protocols are based on recommendations from Governments and Health Authorities. Intensive training for our crew forms part of these hygiene protocols.
Vaccination, embarkation and exclusion policy
- Covid 19 vaccinations are no longer mandatory to board Star Clippers’ ships. Star Clippers’ passengers who are fully vaccinated with, at least, all COVID-19 primary series vaccine doses completed at least 14 days prior to embarkation (Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca) or 4 weeks prior for Johnson & Johnson, will no longer be required to present a negative antigen or PCR test.
- Star Clippers will require proof by way of the original vaccination documents issued by the relevant country’s health authority; for example USA CDC vaccination record card, UK NHS certificate, EU Digital Covid Certificate.
- Passengers who have recovered from Covid-19 presenting their covid recovery certificate not older than 9 months, issued by their doctor or health center, will no longer be required to present a negative antigen or PCR test.
- Non vaccinated passengers should present a negative antigen test, performed within 48 hours of embarkation, or a negative RT-PCR test, performed within 72 hours of embarkation. The test must be administered by an authorized party ( laboratory or pharmacy ). Home/self tests are not accepted.
Therefore, at embarkation check-in, passengers will need to present either their vaccination certificate, recovery certificate or negative antigen or PCR test in addition to a completed health questionnaire, which will be provided in advance. Passengers arriving for embarkation without the relevant document will be denied boarding.
Passengers aged 2 years old and under are exempt from testing. Any changes to local requirementsfor ports of call to be visited will be advised separately, if necessary. All passengers are responsible to make sure they comply with country-specific entry requirements for the country where they will embark the ship.
High Risk Groups
Passengers in high risk groups including people over 60 years of age or people of any age with underlying medical conditions chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases and immunocompromised individuals are advised to visit a doctor for pre travel medical consultation to assess if they are fit to travel.
Officers crew
All officers and crew are required to take a comprehensive health check and Covid 19 test before joining each cruise and regularly thereafter. We also expect to have all crew members vaccinated prior to joining the vessels Regular temperature checks will be carried out and all Officers and crew will be required to wear masks.
on board.
Hygiene on board
All Officers and crew will have advanced intensive training in hygiene protocols and the detection of Covid-19 symptoms.
Should a passenger be suspected of a positive Covid case, they will be placed under medical supervision. A number of isolation cabins will be prepared on board our ships. Normal rules of hygiene apply, such as coughing and sneezing etiquette and hand washing.
Disinfectant dispensers are distributed throughout the vessels. It is recommended that masks are worn inside the ship and on board tender boats. Star Clippers adheres to the highest health and safety policy, closely following US Public Health guidelines.
Surfaces that may be touched regularly (hand rails, door handles, etc) are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Cabins and suites are cleaned two times every day; on embarkation days all suites, cabins and public areas will be completely disinfected. Quality air purification units are placed in many public areas, such as dining room, piano bar, library, sloop shop and, on Royal Clipper, the Captain Nemo lounge gym & spa.
Culinary Arts
Star Clippers’ high standards, choice and quality of cuisine on board remains unchanged For the near future, there will be no self service in the restaurant Hotel crew are available to assist serving from the breakfast and lunch buffets A La Carte dinner will be served with usual style.
in destination.
Shore excursions On Board Programmes
We are offering shore excursions as previously, however, the tours are subject to any amendments deemed necessary by the local governments and any changes will be advised on board. Most shore excursions are bookable on board and costs charged to passengers’ on board accounts as usual.
All our tour providers have Covid management plans and will adhere to health & safety regulations in place in their particular country.
Individual excursions ashore are, normally, permitted, however, this is subject to local government policy
Travel Insurance
All passengers are required to have a travel insurance policy valid for the duration of the cruise. In addition to regular medical cover, this insurance should cover all costs related to Covid 19 sickness including, but not limited to, treatment ashore and repatriation.