UK cruise service to resume after 16 months

International cruises will be able to start again from England from next Monday (2 August) after a 16-month break.

People arriving at UK ports who have been fully vaccinated in the United States and the European Union will also not have to quarantine_ the UK government said.

It's part of a plan to relax isolation rules for US and EU arrivals in the UK.

An industry body said travel agencies_ hotels_ tour guides_ port operators and other firms would benefit from cruises restarting.

Domestic cruises have been allowed to run from May but international cruises have been prohibited.

The government said that international cruise travel advice 'will be amended to encourage travellers to understand the risks associated with cruise travel and take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad.'

Under the new rules_ from 04:00 BST on 2 August_ fully vaccinated US and EU travellers arriving from amber countries will not need to quarantine or take a test on day eight of their arrival.

However_ they will still need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on the second day after they arrive. And travellers from France are not exempt. Arrivals will also still need to complete a Passenger Locator Form. Under-18s will be exempt from isolation_ and some will not have to test_ depending on their age.

The UK government said the rule changes would help to reunite family and friends whose loved ones live abroad.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said the reopening of travel was "progress we can all enjoy".

However_ international cruises are unlikely to be available from Monday.