To keep everyone on board fit and well, we’ve enhanced our boarding procedures working with our partners in the ports, including our new partner Prenetics; a UK government approved, certified and trusted COVID-19 testing provider.
All guests must take a COVID-19 PCR test at the terminal on the day of embarkation, which must be negative before boarding is allowed. Working with Carnival UK colleagues, Prenetics have set up two testing sites to support guests – a drive-through site adjacent to Mayflower Terminal, and an in-terminal site for walk-in / drop off guests.
During their peak, the testing team have managed 3,000 tests per day and identified a number of guests who were positive for COVID-19 and therefore not allowed to board, successfully respecting and protecting colleagues and guests by reducing the likelihood of COVID-19 on our ships.
As expected, there have been some challenges, but these have also been opportunities to listen, learn and improve. Since the first rollout for Britannia’s test cruise at the end of June, a number of initiatives have been implemented to improve the process. These include:
- Doubling the number of testing stations at Ocean Terminal
- Buddying up with Princess Cruises to provide a consistent service from Southampton
- Successfully implementing walk-through testing at Mayflower Terminal
- Improved signage to direct guests to the drive-through facility adjacent to Mayflower Terminal.
- Running real-time service chats between Carnival UK and Prenetics, constantly communicating and ensuring we run a smooth service, address queues, and constantly evolve the service.
As our return to service continues, we’re continuing to test, learn and improve our COVID-19 testing process.
Setting up our partnership with Prenetics and implementing a brand new testing programme to support our return to service has been a significant undertaking – thank you and well done to everyone involved.