We are delighted to finally be cruising in 2020 over 20 weeks later than normal, but then these are not normal times. Our first week cruising has been completed successfully with guests and crew adjusting to the new measures put in place to allow us to cruise with confidence. It is lovely to have the boats out on the water showing guests the stunning scenery and amazing wildlife that the west coast of Scotland and the Inner Hebrides has to offer.
Highlights of the first week include:
- A basking shark swimming alongside Glen Etive.
- Sighting of an orca.
- Lots of dolphin action on the bow wake of both boats.
- Meals prepared onboard from the best Scottish produce.
Our reduced autumn cruising schedule has proven to be very popular and we only have three cabins left for the rest of the 2020 season all three are on MV Glen Etive but on different cruises; 'Mull and Her Inlets and Islands' departing October 3rd; 'Isle of Skye and the Inner Hebrides' departing 10th October; and finally 'Isles of the Clyde and the Southern Hebrides' departing 17th October. All our autumn cruises are 6 nights.
Cruising in a time of Covid
We want to make our cruises as safe and enjoyable as possible while taking into account Scottish and UK Government advice on health and safety. We started cruising on the 29th August, 2020 using our two newer boats -the Glen Shiel and the Glen Etive. They are beamier -wider- than our two traditional boats making it easier for us to manage social distancing within the ‘one metre rule ‘. We are also limiting the number of passengers - to ten (other than for whole boat charters) which allow more space for everyone.
There are some changes to our normal procedures which are set out below. Full details are available in the welcome pack guests receive the week before cruising. Our Cruise Co-ordinators will be happy to go through these with guests.
Guests
All guests will receive a short health questionnaire to be completed and returned to The Majestic Line 24 hour before they are due to cruise. This is to confirm they have no Covid 19 symptoms and that have not been in contact with anyone who has.
Mike Thoms, our CEO, will contact all our guests prior to their cruise to confirm that all is well.
Crew
All crew members will be tested weekly to ensure that they are free of Covid 19.
Boarding Your Cruise
We will not have the traditional ‘meet and greet’ coffee meeting in a hotel. Instead guests will be given the Skipper’s mobile number to call and will be met at the pontoons where crew will look after luggage and escort guests to the boat.
We will check guest’s temperature on boarding.
On Board
On board guests will be asked to observe the one metre rule in terms of distance from fellow passengers and crew.
Hand washing is actively encouraged and there will be plenty of hand sanitiser available on-board.
Guests will be free to wear face masks, however these will not be compulsory.
There will be additional precautions on board e.g. guests will have their own cruet sets full details in the welcome pack.
Crew may wear visors while in close contact with guests e.g. while serving meals, helping guests into the tender.
The boat’s central heating will be in operation to ensure a comfortable temperature as there will be plenty of fresh air circulating.
Cleaning
All cabins will be given a deep clean between cruises.
All public areas and touch points in particular will be regularly cleaned and sanitised throughout the day.
Our ability to continue cruising will be subject to Scottish government guidance.
