WHAT ARE CORONAVIRUSES?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that usually cause respiratory illness. A new (novel) CoV was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and is called coronavirus COVID-19. It has spread around the world and has been declared a pandemic.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?
Signs of infection may include respiratory symptoms, such as fever or feverishness, cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or a sudden loss of smell or taste.
HOW IS THE VIRUS TRANSMITTED?
Health authorities say it can be passed from one person to another through close contact, such as caring for or living with an ill person. Respiratory droplets from a cough or a sneeze are the main source of spread.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M WELL FOR TRAVEL?
HOW CAN I MINIMIZE THE RISK OF CATCHING OR SPREADING A RESPIRATORY ILLNESS?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends the following everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, after touching any public surface including door knobs and handles.
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If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick, including sharing cups or eating utensils.
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Stay home when you are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze: cough or sneeze into your elbow, or cover with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
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Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth whenever you leave home in all public areas.
WHERE CAN I CHECK OFFICIAL SOURCES FOR INFORMATION?
ARE YOU SAILING NOW?
No. We have suspended operations due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
WHEN WILL YOU BEGIN SAILING AGAIN?
On August 27 we made the difficult decision to cancel our remaining cruises in 2020. We had hoped that the number of cases of COVID and episodes of transmission would be in decline by now, and that the world recovery from the pandemic would be faster, but based on what we are seeing, we believe the most prudent way forward to keep our guests and crew safe is to postpone all Windstar sailings until next year.
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO OPERATE YOUR YACHTS SAFELY?
Windstar has partnered with the epidemiology department at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Center to investigate appropriate layers of protection to create a safer environment. A multi-layered Beyond Ordinary Care program uses a holistic strategy including key hospital-grade elements, as follows:
1. Install high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) filters to filter the air on board all Windstar ships. Current CDC Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities recommend HEPA filtration for recirculated air from patient isolation rooms in hospitals. These filters are being installed in the HVAC systems on all Windstar yachts.
2. Add yet another layer to sanitize/disinfect the HEPA filtered air with UV-C light for germicidal irradiation. Once air has moved through the HEPA filtration system, there is an opportunity to “zap” the air with UV-C light (also called germicidal irradiation) before the air recirculates on the ship. When air passes the UV-C light, microbes such as bacteria and viruses not trapped in the HEPA filter will be destroyed. Germicidal irradiation is a solution that has been proven to kill coronaviruses.
3. EvaClean with PurTab will be used for disinfecting surfaces. In addition to an elevated frequency of cleaning, sanitizing provides another layer of safety. This EPA-approved, hospital-grade sanitizer utilizes a safe and effective formula for disinfecting all types of hard and soft surfaces. Backpack sprayers will be used to sanitize guest rooms, crew spaces, public spaces, and the entire ship at the beginning of each cruise, as well as during sailings in key areas on the ship. These electrostatic sprayers will be deployed across the fleet to:
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Sanitize guest rooms, as well as the entire ship before each cruise departure
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Easily move through public spaces for cleaning and disinfecting - Lobbies, restrooms, open deck areas, public sitting areas, etc. will all be disinfected regularly.
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Crew quarters - To ensure the crew stays healthy, their environments will be cleaned and sanitized often.
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Sanitize medical clinic and other wellness areas quickly
WHAT ABOUT VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS?
Windstar is making major operational adjustments to meet the requirements and guidelines set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as other global governmental and public health guidelines and requirements. We’re also implementing additional proven technologies that go beyond these requirements.
SO WHAT, SPECIFICALLY, IS NOTABLE ABOUT YOUR APPROACH?
With the multi-layered system discussed above, we are confident we will have the cleanest and most advanced scientific methods and technology on board to minimize coronaviruses and other microbes. These systems, in combination with an abundance of other prevention and mitigation steps, and increased hygiene diligence on the part of our guests, give us confidence that we are creating a safer environment for our crew and guests.
A healthy environment is a collaboration and guests share in the responsibility. As part of the holistic strategy, guests will be asked to take care in practicing safe hygiene.
WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT PRE-TRIP/BEFORE I ARRIVE?
New pre-trip protocols for guests include a pre-departure health questionnaire, and guests will be asked to wear masks when traveling to the ships. Prior to embarkation, guests will receive a health screening. Arrival and departure times in ports will be staggered to allow for more distance between people.
WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT ON BOARD?
Guests will find personalized service by dining staff in all venues, expanded dining times and seating arranged to provide more space between diners. The popular outdoor, top-deck BBQ will still be held with crew on hand to serve guests. Additional al fresco restaurants and complimentary room service (main restaurant dinner menu available via room service) increase dining options for all. Main dining venues will operate at 65 percent capacity, while specialty venues will operate at 60 percent. Crew will wear masks and instead of the usual embrace or handshake, look for the new “Windstar Wave” hand signal – a W made with one’s index fingers and thumbs.
WILL THERE BE SHORE EXCURSIONS?
Yes, but shore excursions will be operated at reduced capacity and guests are encouraged to wear masks while out on excursions.
WHAT ELSE WILL BE DIFFERENT ON BOARD?
Tenders, motor coaches, and smaller boats will operate at 50 percent capacity. Our popular Open Bridge policy will be adjusted to allow just a few guests into the space at once, on a schedule. There will also be a staggered check-in process to allow for additional distance between guests.
HOW WILL YOU HANDLE TESTING FOR THE VIRUS?
We will carry viral swabs for testing and will coordinate as necessary with local authorities to process the tests.
HOW ARE YOU HANDLING STAFFING?
We are expanding medical staff on board, as well as increasing crew training in cleaning practices, social distancing, and emergency response protocols.