According to a statement, Lloyd's Register granted Saga the Shield + accreditation, the highest category of health assurance they have.

The new system for risk reduction and greater faith in operator protection procedures against the introduction of infectious diseases on board cruise ships, including COVID-19, norovirus and common flu, was developed.

“This important step removes one of the last barriers to a safe return for cruising. We know there is considerable pent up demand from our customers for cruising. In our most recent round of cancellations, more than 80% of guests immediately rolled their booking over to a new cruise and our guests tell us they are ready to sail. Being the first cruise operator to achieve Lloyd’s Register’s Shield+ accreditation is testament to the work done by all our Saga colleagues and brings us one step closer to welcoming our guests back onboard our ships in the safest capacity possible," said Nick Stace, Saga’s CEO of Travel.

Being awarded the accreditation shows that in its guidance for COVID Secure Cruising, which was supported by the government, Saga exceeds the enforcement requirements in every category set out by the UK Chamber of Shipping, the company reported. Safety accreditation is assessed for six main categories covering all aspects of ship safety where health risks are high: medical, policy, food, ventilation, shelter and water.

Maritime Business World