Aqua Expeditions, has implemented enhanced health and safety protocols in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic in anticipation of the relaunching of its ships this summer.
At the onset of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Aqua Expeditions took early, swift and decisive action to maintain strict antiviral hygiene standards on all three vessels in operation. As a result, the company experienced no cases of COVID-19 onboard any of its vessels.
“Today, more than ever, our employees, customers and partners need reassurance of our ability to offer them the safest experience possible,” says Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO and founder of Aqua Expeditions. “It is our duty to anticipate needs and respond to health and safety requirements by adhering to the highest standards.”
To ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the crew and guests, Aqua Expeditions will conduct health screenings and pre-boarding medical evaluations for all crew and passengers. On embarkation day, Aqua Expeditions will register all cases of guests with flu-like symptoms to relevant authorities and reserves the right to deny boarding of guests who demonstrate any symptoms of concern.
Out of abundance of caution and as part of their uncompromising commitment to the health and wellbeing of the crew, staff and guests, Aqua Expeditions has adopted additional measures to address guests’ concerns about travel, including:
* Eliminating crew changes during voyages to reduce the risk of potential outside exposure
* Increasing disinfection standards by developing a combination of manual and emerging contactless disinfection procedures
* Cleaning and sanitizing cabins three times a day, ensuring the highest level of hygiene standard
* Providing face masks, latex gloves and hand sanitizer to all crew and guests upon arrival
* Offering enhanced in-suite amenities, such as disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers.
A leader in small expedition cruising, Aqua Expeditions’ ships range from 15 to 20 cabins. Accommodating a maximum of only 30 to 40 guests onboard provides ample personal space and constant safe social distancing among passengers and crew.
The dining rooms aboard each vessel already take into account social distancing, but have been reconfigured to further create a dining environment where guests can enjoy their experience without worrying about health risks, including:
* Greater flexibility and options for table seating and spacing
* Introduction of immune-boosting drinks on each menu
* Continuing to source organic produce from known purveyors to ensure safe farming practices
Aqua Expeditions’ small group shore excursions are an integral part of the brand’s ethos. Aqua Expeditions offers two optional shore excursions guaranteed every day.
Capped at a maximum of 10 guests per skiff in adherence with the U.S. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, the excursions offer personalized, engaging experiences. The Aqua Expeditions team cleans and disinfects all excursion equipment, prior to and after use.
On the Aqua Blu (pictured above), which sails around Indonesia, scuba and snorkel gear is distributed to guests to keep throughout their voyage.
Lastly, each Aqua Expeditions ship is flagged in the country in which it operates, reassuring guests that they are always allowed to disembark in any port or anchorage location on an itinerary.