MARSEILLE — PONANT will be requiring all guests and crew members to be vaccinated prior to departure.

As it prepares for the resumption of sailing, the French cruise ship operator has announced that all passengers and crew over 16 years of age must be vaccinated before the cruise as well as show proof of a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours of boarding the ship.

Other cruise lines that have announced a similar proof of vaccination requirement in recent weeks include Windstar, Crystal, AQSC, Victory Cruise Lines, Azamara, Royal Caribbean, NCL and more. 

PONANT’s new measures will expand on its double-protection principle onboard all its ships, which includes screening and decontamination measures when boarding followed by onboard sanitary protocols throughout the cruise. 

It has also combined small-capacity ships, eco-design, health protocols and partnerships with local organizations, ensuring that it is well-equipped to roll out protocols quickly and efficiently. Plus, the company has invested in state-of-the-art medical facilities onboard each of its ships, including ultrasound and radiography equipment, onsite testing and more. A medical team comprising at least one doctors and nurse is also available 24/7.

To read more about the company’s ‘PONANT Health Protocol’ click here.

To provide added peace of mind, PONANT has also revised its booking policy to allow for greater flexibility. New bookings made before June 30, 2021 for a cruise scheduled before March 31, 2023 will only require a deposit of 25%. The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure and passengers can cancel the trip up until 30 days before with the full amount being credited toward another reservation within two years of the initial departure date. In the event of a positive COVID-19 test within 30 days of the sailing, passengers will receive a full refund at the time of cancellation.

For more information go to https://us.ponant.com/stress-free-booking-conditions.