CRUISE ships moored on Weymouth Bay could leave Dorset waters as government ministers are working to get the cruise industry sailing again.
A number of multi-million cruise ships, including Queen Elizabeth, Britannia, Queen Victoria, Marella Discovery, Aurora and Norwegian Bliss, have been based on the Dorset coast since March.
The cruise ships originally anchored within Weymouth Bay because the bay offers "secure anchorage with the prevailing weather", according to the RNLI.
The huge ships can be seen across Weymouth and as far as Portland. They have also been admired from afar by tourists and residents.
The Daily Mail reports how the cruise ship industry is discussing a ‘phased restart’ which could commence as early as January 2021.
If an agreement is reached, the multi-million cruise ships on Weymouth Bay could sail away and prepare to take passengers on cruises around the world.
The report adds discussions between ministers and the industry of a ‘phased restart’ are now reportedly at an advanced stage.
A Government source told the Daily Mail: "We are working on a framework to allow the industry to reopen safely early in the new year. That will allow cruises to re-start and enable bookings to take place to start bringing money into the industry again."
The source makes clear that although discussions are underway, cruise lines will need to take responsibility of arranging passengers to be sent home if a coronavirus outbreak halts a cruise.
“We need to be sure that ships have the right infection control measures in place, the proper testing regime, and the right facilities to allow them to contain an outbreak," he adds.
"In terms of foreign cruises, we will need an acceptance that operators have to take responsibility for repatriating their passengers."
Most cruise companies have cancelled all of their remaining 2020 cruises, but are looking towards sailing again in early 2021.
P&O Cruises is still confident it will restart its cruise ship holidays in March next year, despite Foreign Office guidelines currently advising against all ocean cruise travel.
Cunard Line has already pushed voyages into 2021, with Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth slated to come back into action again between March and May.
Got a Dorset story you would like me to share or investigate? Contact me at 01305 830999 or email michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk.
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