Covid-19 Info

Skipper Iain

Our cruises will start in May 2021 (at least for our domestic guests) and hopefully soon after for our overseas friends. We will know more about international travel in the near future.

NO STONE UNTURNED

We’ve reviewed every single area of our operation with a fine-tooth comb – from boarding Splendour, moving around the vessel and servicing cabins, to the way we prepare food – to develop a rigorous response to the global public health crisis.

WHAT TO EXPECT

As a result, a slightly different guest journey, updated crew protocols, and an enhanced set of hygiene and safety measures that meet or exceed government guidelines, have been implemented aboard Splendour to provide even greater peace of mind during your cruise on the west coast of Scotland waters . We will, of course, continue to work with public health authorities to enable us to adjust and update those measures in line with the very latest guidance.

SAFE ADVENTURES

Our priority is your safety, whilst also providing an environment where you can have a wonderful time. Our forte has always been providing experiences that meet our individual guests needs and exceed expectations, so – whether you’re looking for secluded shoreside walks where your only company is the local wildlife, visiting the many distilleries on our doorstep or simply being engrossed in your book on Splendour’s decks – the fun and adventure at Argyll Cruising must and will go on!

We look forward to welcoming you aboard – if you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch with Jamie.

Best Wishes
Skipper Ted

What We’ll Be Doing 

Cleaning & Hygiene 

Our cleaning routines have been significantly extended in their scope and frequency to ensure the highest standards of hygiene around Splendour and are pleased to share that we have been awarded the ‘Good to Go’ certification, developed by Visit Scotland and adopted by the ‘International Safe Travels Scheme’.

Testing

All guests will be temperature checked prior to boarding. Crew will be lateral flow and temperature tested before each cruise.
Anyone failing tests will unfortunately not be allowed onboard and will be allowed to reschedule their holiday or be given a full refund.

Products

We will use antimicrobial and hospital grade sanitisers. In addition, we will use fogging machines between cruises for all areas and soft furnishings which are highly effective at killing viruses and bacteria.

Public Spaces and Communal Areas

The frequency of cleaning has increased in all indoor public spaces with an emphasis on high contact surfaces, including counters, switches, door handles, stair handrails, dining surfaces and seating areas.

Cabins

Cleaning and sanitising will be carried out with an emphasis on high contact areas such as, doors and doorknobs, lights and lighting controls, clothes hangers etc. Bathroom drains will be disinfected after each cruise. All linen and towels will be removed from cabins, whether or not they have been used.

Galley

Food preparation stations will be sanitised at least once per hour and will be deep cleaned and sanitised at least once per day. We will continue to follow guidance from food standard agencies.

Training

Every member of our crew and shore team will receive training on COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Policies

Our crew have received training prior to the start of the new season, to ensure awareness of, and strict adherence to, government-recommended practice relating to coronavirus symptoms, hygiene, cleanliness and physical distancing where possible. In addition we have reviewed all of our risk assessments.

Hand Hygiene

Crew will be washing their hands with soap and water every hour (for at least 20 seconds). In the absence of a sink, they’ll use one of the many hand sanitising stations aboard Splendour.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Appropriate PPE will be worn in accordance with government guidance.

Physical Distancing

The most up-to-date government guidelines on physical distancing will be maintained by our crew at all times where possible.

Food Safety

We’ll continue to follow guidelines and best practice for food safety and hygiene.

Tender

In order to maintain social distancing it will be necessary to do two trips ashore on some occasions. Hand sanitiser will be available on the tender.

Binoculars

Sorry but no binoculars will be provided for guest use this season. Please bring your own.

What We Ask Of You

Stay Alert

If you have any coronavirus symptoms before your visit – fever, continuous cough, or loss of taste or smell, or have been asked to self-isolate or quarantine – please stay at home. We will happily reschedule your cruise or issue a refund.

Essentials

The use of face masks is mandatory for the time being within Splendour and we ask you to bring your own. Masks will be available if you require one. Hand sanitiser stations will be available throughout the vessel, we ask that you please use these especially before and after shore excursions.

Arrival

Our guests will enter the vessel through doors that are either propped open or manually operated by a crew member, to minimise the volume of physical contact made with the doors.

Luggage 

Luggage will be taken aboard by crew. Crew will sanitise hands after each guests luggage is brought onboard.

Hand Hygiene

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use the hand sanitiser stations located throughout our vessel.

Please Keep Your Distance

Maintain safe distancing limits set by the Government from crew members and other guests outside your own group where possible.

Follow The Signs

In some locations, there will be markings to assist with social distancing.

What If You Become Sick with Covid-19, whilst aboard Splendour? 

The incubation period for coronavirus is 2 –14 days, so it’s possible you could develop symptoms after you arrive. It’s vital you let the skipper know you feel unwell as soon as possible, while avoiding close proximity with any crew or other guests. If you’re able to leave, we will ask you to return home immediately. If this isn’t possible (for instance, if you are too unwell to drive) we will ask you to self-isolate in your cabin. We will contact NHS Scotland for the most current recommended next actions, including assisting them with their Test and Trace programme.

Here To Help

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with Jamie either by phone or email.