International cruise holidays can restart for Brits in England from August
- Sources said passengers would be able to take cruises that start or end abroad
- Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said they could restart from August 2
- Industry leaders heralded today’s announcement as ‘very good news’ for cruises
International cruises will be back on the cards from next month, ministers say, after trial voyages around Britain.
Passengers will be able to take trips that start or end in ports outside the UK including those sailing to Europe and North America.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said they would restart in England from August 2, but it is not clear whether this also applies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Department for Transport bosses decided on the change after assessing ‘epidemiological evidence’ from cruises around the country this year.
Industry leaders heralded today’s announcement as ‘very good news’ for cruises, and said they ‘looked forward’ to welcoming passengers on international trips again.
It comes as ministers today confirmed plans to drop quarantine requirements for double-jabbed travellers from the EU and US who arrive in England.
The cruise industry has been rocked by the pandemic after outbreaks on ships left thousands of passengers stranded for weeks and blocked from disembarking.
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