Categories: Cruises

Viking Announces Completion of First PCR Laboratory at Sea

Viking has created what its calling the “first full-scale PCR laboratory at sea” onboard 930-passenger Viking Sea, which enables the cruise line to conduct guest and crew PCR testing.

“We have been working on this for a number of months, and today is important as it moves us one step closer to operating cruises again, without compromising the safety of our guests and crew,” said Matt Grimes, Viking’s vice president of maritime operations.

ADVERTISING

He added, “The recently announced CDC guidelines are clearly aligned with our public health research, and we welcome the agency’s push toward testing, as we believe this is the only way to safely operate. In our view, continuous PCR testing, along with our extensive onboard hygiene protocols, will lead to making Viking ships a safe place to get away to and explore the world.”

The new PCR lab aboard Viking Sea “has enough capacity for daily testing of every crew member and guest, which provides flexibility to respond to COVID-19 prevalence levels around the world,” Viking said.

The company added that it will demonstrate the details of the PCR laboratory when Viking Star sails to Oslo, Norway, in mid-November.

This is a first for the cruise industry, which recently received the go-ahead to begin cruising again under certain restrictions by the CDC.

This post was published by our news partner: TravelPulse.com | Article Source
TJS News

TravelPulse.com, part of the travAlliancemedia network of products, is the leading resource for the latest travel news, offers, and videos. Since 2002, TravelPulse.com has been delivering industry news, dynamic video content and important supplier and destination information that have allowed hundreds of thousands of travel agents to succeed. Now, with dedicated consumer content, TravelPulse is once again revolutionizing the way that travel content is consumed.

Recent Posts

United Offers Free Flight Changes Amid Passenger Boycott of Trump Airport

United Airlines is preparing for a passenger boycott of President Donald J. Trump International Airport.…

1 day ago

July Fourth Gatherings With Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen

With backyard entertaining, holiday festivities, and family gatherings in full swing.

4 days ago

SFO Eyes Exclusive VIP Terminal for Wealthy Travelers

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is planning to introduce a VIP terminal for affluent travelers.…

7 days ago

Delta: Airfares Remain High Despite Falling Jet Fuel Prices

Delta Air Lines said Friday that airfares are likely to remain elevated despite falling jet…

7 days ago

JetBlue Expands Fort Lauderdale Operations, Plans to Hire Former Spirit Employees

After the collapse of Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways has emerged as the top carrier at…

1 week ago

Cool Summer Tech

The World Cup isn't the only thing heating up this summer.

2 weeks ago