Cruises out of Southampton with an overnight stay before returning home

[tert333]

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up which led me to cancel my cruise out of southampton on September 30.   Canadians returning to Southampton from cruises stopping in Europe have to book extra test or may even have to quarantine until they leave.   When I read the UK rules of entry, it was a bit unclear and so I sent a note to Princess.  The bottom line is that you should do some research, unless you are leaving the same day that you are arriving in Southampton.  Here is their response:

 

"I hope this email finds you well.

Since you will be in England for more than 24 hours, this would not be classed as transiting. You will need to book the appropriate tests and quarantine appropriately (if required).

Please let me know if you have any queries.

Kind Regards,

Specialist Trace Team"

 

Here was my question:

 

We are looking to go on a Princess cruise on September 30. Our cruise leaves Southampton and goes to France and Spain and returns to Southampton on October 7. We are then traveling to Heathrow and spending the night at the airport, leaving on October 8 for Canada.

After we arrive in Southampton, will we need to take any further tests to fulfill UK requirements or can we be treated as in-transit as we will be leaving approximately 36 hours after arriving in Southampton? I understand we will be getting a PCR test onboard the ship.

 

[Cocktail613]

Most jurisdictions seem to be taking the position that in transit means less than 12 hrs.

[3Shelaghs]

Quite the quandary.

To my knowledge... Canada is now on the green list for UK, therefore no quarantine.

But, you are coming from countries that are on the amber list for the UK, therefore you have to test, and isolate. I was to the understanding "transit" was 24 hours or less, but that may have changed. I also think you need to do two Covid tests after you arrive (day 2 & 8?????)

If I read this correctly, you won't need to quarantine precruise, but unless you can shave that 36 hours post cruise down to 24, you may have to.

Don't feel bad, I think I heard yesterday the European health people (similar to the CDC), is now refusing Americans into the EU. I haven't validated. If those ships are full of Americans, it may never leave port.

Don's-family-vacations stresses "check, and recheck, the rules are changing daily for everything including cancellations".