Safer together

Read our procedures, watch our videos, or browse our FAQ section to better understand our protocols on board

Pre-boarding the Original Norwegian Coastal Express

To protect our guests and crew, we must ensure that everyone boarding our ships are negative for COVID-19 and free from infections. Before you can board our ships, it is important that you truthfully confirm that you have no symptoms of COVID-19.

  • You need to fill in a self-declaration form before you can travel with us. The Health Declaration Form states that you have no symptoms of COVID-19 and have not had contact with anyone with the virus in the last 14 days. Please look out for an email with this self-declaration form 24 hours before your departure. Fill in your responses and return them to us by email. If you are not able to fill out the form digitally, there are paper copies available once you arrive at check in. Please take care to fill in all the required information. We may exercise our right to refuse your embarkation if parts of the form are missing or incomplete.
  • You must confirm that you agree to comply with any relevant and current travel restrictions from the Norwegian authorities at the time of travel.
  • Upon boarding, you will go through contactless temperature scan. If you have a temperature or display any other symptoms, you may be denied boarding.
  • You must also agree to be tested at any time during the sailing if you develop COVID-19 symptoms.
  • If you are vaccinated, please bring your official medical documents.

  • Our medical team conducts rapid COVID-19 tests whenever needed, providing results in just 20 minutes. A Health & Safety Coordinator and a nurse work on board all Original Norwegian Coastal Express sailings.

Cruise card

Testing of crew and practices

The crew are there to ensure that your have a smooth sailing experience. To keep everyone safe, we ask each crew member to follow a number of stringent protocols.

  • All crew members are required to follow guidelines from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and fill out a self-declaration form stating that they have no symptoms of COVID-19 and that they have not come into contact with anyone who has the virus in the last 14 days.
  • Before boarding the ship, all crew members have completed a COVID-19 training program for hygiene procedures and infection management. They will also have undergone thorough first-aid training.
  • Our onboard nurse is available on all our Original Norwegian Coastal Express sailings, should any medical issue arise.

  • Before boarding the ship, all crew members will have their temperature checked. If the scan shows a high temperature, our medical team will conduct a rapid test to check for COVID-19. The result is provided in just 20 minutes.

  • Only healthy crew members will board our ships. If a crew member develops symptoms during a cruise, he/she will be put in isolation until our nurse has performed a rapid COVID-19 test and the result is negative.
  • All crew members undergo daily temperature checks.
A man standing in front of a mountain

Embarkation and disembarkation

Whenever embarking or disembarking the ship, we ask everyone to take certain precautions, such as using face masks, undergoing temperature scans, and following thorough hand-washing measures. This applies to both guests and crew. You must also keep a minimum of six feet from other guests.

  • When you board the ship, you’ll need to wear a face mask, go through a contactless fever scanner, and use the disinfection station at the entrance to ensure that your hands are clean.
  • If the temperature scan indicates a high temperature, our onboard nurse will conduct a rapid COVID-19 test. It only takes 20 minutes to get the test result. If you have symptoms, you won’t be able to board the ship.

  • If you haven’t already sent us an email with the self-declaration Health Declaration Form, please fill it in and submit it to the reception desk. Without a completed form, you can’t board the ship.

Cleaning

We have always followed the highest standards when it comes to cleaning our ships. These processes have been further enhanced with new cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • The latest scientific technologies to eliminate COVID-19 are used on all of our ships. Cabins and public areas are disinfected through the electrostatic spraying of BarrierTech™, a disinfectant with a documented effect against the virus.

  • All public areas are frequently disinfected with this solution, a method approved by the Norwegian Medicines Agency. This product provides long-term protection and is 99.999% effective against most bacteria and viruses. It’s a non-alcoholic, pH-neutral and non-flammable solution that is safe for you and the environment.

  • We have strict cleaning routines and regular hygiene inspections. 
  • We also have external partners who perform announced—and unannounced—inspections on all ships.
  • In addition, we frequently check the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) and monitor the quality of the drinking water to keep you safe during your voyage.

Social distancing

We’ve put down floor markings, increased in-cabin services, and adjusted how we operate to provide more space for you when you’re on board.

  • We have added floor markings throughout our ships and are operating with a reduced number of guests on board to help our passengers keep a safe distance from one other.

  • You will be asked to wear a face mask in all public areas, including outside spaces, whenever you are unable to maintain the recommended social distance.

  • We have reduced the seating capacity in our restaurants, and you’ll need to make a reservation. Alternatively, you can take advantage of our takeout service and eat in the comfort of your own cabin.

  • The fitness center, sauna and hot tub facilities (for applicable ships) will be open for a maximum of 2 people at a time. With more than 50 passengers onboard, a registration form will be available from Reception.

Face mask policy

Social distancing measures have been introduced on all our cruises. Our crew members wear face masks in all public areas, when preparing meals in the galleys, and when cleaning your cabin. Guests must also wear face masks in all public areas of the ship, including out on deck, when social distancing is not possible. . Face masks are required in all situations where social distancing is not possible. Guests must follow the face mask requirements in force at the time of travel.

Guests must wear a face mask during embarkation and disembarkation. In any other place or situation that doesn’t allow for proper social distancing, please wear a face mask, especially when visiting local communities along the coast.

We have placed floor markings throughout the ship to indicate recommended social distances, helping you keep a minimum of six feet from others.

Food and beverages

Enjoying the delicious food on board is a big part of your experience sailing with us, so we’ve reorganized our restaurants to ensure that you’ll be able to stay safe while dining.

Shore Excursions

We work closely with our local excursion partners to make sure that our excursions are always in line with national and industry COVID-19 safety guidelines. We require all our excursion partners to follow the strictest COVID-19 safety measures in order to offer excursions for our guests.

Medical team on board

Our Original Norwegian Coastal Express ships have a nurse and a dedicated Health & Safety Coordinator on board. This team is always available when you are traveling with us. We are never far from land when sailing the Norwegian coastline and can quickly access the many onshore health services and hospitals, if need be.

Symptoms on board

It’s our responsibility to ensure that our guests and crew members are protected against COVID-19 when traveling with us. Therefore, if you develop COVID-19 symptoms during the cruise, please self-isolate in your cabin and alert the reception desk immediately. Our medical team will come to your cabin to conduct a rapid COVID-19 test and you’ll receive your result in just 20 minutes. The sooner you inform us, the faster we can act to contain a possible spread.

If the result is positive, we will immediately carry out the tracking and testing protocols, in full cooperation with local authorities. To prevent the virus from spreading to others, you will need to self-isolate in your cabin. We’ll continue to do our utmost to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The ventilation systems in our ships do not recycle air, eliminating the airborne transmission of viruses.

Fever scan

Have additional questions?

Pre-boarding

Due to the latest easing of restrictions for the Coastal Express voyages as of 1 June 2021, the following changes have been implemented:

  • Ships will be able to increase passenger capacity (to a total of 180 guests).
  • The minimum distance requirement on board will be reduced from 2 metres to 1 metre.
  • Only passengers with symptoms will be tested if needed. The crew will continue to be tested regardless of symptoms.
  • Select excursions will be available for guests.
  • Select activities will be available for guests on board, with a maximum of 30 guests for outside activities. 20 guests can be gathered inside for the welcome/safety meeting.
  • The fitness centre, sauna and hot tub facilities (for applicable ships) will be open for a maximum of 2 people at a time. With more than 50 passengers onboard, a registration form will be available from Reception.
  • The Explorer Lounge/bar will be open until midnight. Alcohol will only be available for table service.
  • The Kysten Fine Dining restaurant will be open from 15 June.

If you plan to travel and are uncertain if you are healthy, please check your health condition with a physician first and take a Covid-19 test. Please avoid traveling if you suspect that you might be sick.

Before you are allowed onboard you must fill in a self-assessment form. You need to truthfully answer a set of questions about your Covid-19 history.

At boarding, we test all guests' temperatures with a contactless scanner. The same happens at the restaurant entrances. To travel with us, you must agree to have your temperature checked.

There is, at all times, a medical team on board. The entire crew will be monitoring Covid-19 measures and will keep tight control of safety protocols throughout the ship. A Nurse is also working onboard to secure your safety.

Only passengers with symptoms will be tested if needed. The crew will continue to be tested regardless of symptoms.

If you have symptoms while travelling with us, please isolate in your cabin and notify reception. The medical team will come to your cabin to conduct an on-the-spot, rapid-result Covid-19 test.

Embarkation and disembarkation

There are floor markings to indicate advised distance. Our crew will help administrate social distancing at the time of boarding and leaving the ship.

Yes, you may travel without booking a cabin on port-to-port voyages during the day.

You need to book a cabin if you are on the ship between 23:00 and 06:00.
You will need to book your travel in advance. Due to health prevention plans, we don´t allow any walk-ins at the moments.

Onboard facilities

Masks

Wear a face mask in all public areas inside - except when seated in our restaurants.
Outside on deck, you will also need to wear a face mask for the time being.
We survey the health situation on board closely. Please contact our onboard crew to get the current status and regulations.

Restaurants/meal offers

  • The Explorer Lounge/bar will be open until midnight. Alcohol will only be available for table service.
  • The Kysten Fine Dining restaurant will be open from 15 June.

We’re extending the hours restaurants will be open and introducing all-day dining options. A reservation system will help us regulate the number of guests who attend each seating. This means you can socially distance, enjoy delicious food, and still receive a high standard of service from us. We don’t anticipate our guests having to deal with long waits at our restaurants.

Yes, unless the guest is seated at their table, he or she must be wearing a face mask.

Excursions and going ashore

Easing of restrictions for Norwegian Coastal Express voyages as of 1 June 2021

  • Select excursions will be available for guests.
  • Select activities will be available for guests onboard, with a maximum of 30 guests for outside activities. 20 guests can be gathered inside for the welcome/safety meeting.

You may visit local communities and stroll around freely, except when local restrictions are enforced. If there is a virus outbreak in a harbour, you will not be able to visit.

Please wear a face mask. When visiting local communities in these challenging times, we ask you to always wear a face mask and follow the local protocol for infection control. We are taking all precautions needed to avoid viruses entering the ship so that you can relax and be safe when you sail with us.

No. At this time, visitors aren’t allowed on board

Injury or sickness on board

We have available rapid diagnosis tests for Covid-19 on all ships. Tests are performed by our medical crew if the need should arise. A nurse is working onboard all Norwegian Coastal Express sailings.

Please stay in your cabin and immediately notify the reception desk. A medical team member will come to your cabin to evaluate your condition. If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the medical team will administer a rapid COVID-19 test.

There are many hospitals along the Norwegian coastline. We are never far from land and access to the onshore health service. In emergency situations we will sail to the nearest harbour providing medical assistance, or a helicopter might be dispatched to take you to the nearest hospital.

Yes, if a Covid-19 infection is verified on board, all guests will be informed. If this happen we might introduce more restrictions onboard to avoid spread of the virus. Restrictions will be decided in close contact with national health authorities.

Crew members need to fill out a self-declaration form and must be healthy to enter the ship. We have rapid tests onboard all our ships, providing test results in 20 minutes. We will always follow the Norwegian Government´s guidelines to keep everyone safe.

If a crew member starts to feel unwell, s/he is isolated and tested for Covid-19. If the crew member tests positive, s/he will be staying isolated in a cabin set aside expressly for this use. We conduct a special test program for our crew, to secure everyone´s safety.

Passenger and crew capacity

Yes, we sail with reduced capacity. As long as social distancing is recommended as a preventive measure towards an ongoing global pandemic we will operate with restricted passenger capacity. We have a variety of ships of different sizes, so the precise numbers of fellow guests will vary from ship to ship. This will enable you to keep a reasonable and respectful distance from others. There will be even more room on our already spacious ships.

General information

Please practice social distancing and wear a face mask in all public areas, except when seated in our restaurants. For situations on deck where social distancing isn’t possible, please wear a face mask. Please wash and disinfect your hands frequently. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please isolate in your cabin and call reception immediately.

Info screens are placed around the ship, where important safety info will be shared. You can also call reception from your cabin 24/7.

You may ask our staff at the reception or any member of our crew. They’ll be able to direct you or notify someone to assist you. You can also call the reception using the phone in your cabin.

The ship is cleaned and disinfected on each turn-around and all cabins are cleaned and disinfected between use.

We use a cleaning agent proven to eliminate viruses on all touchpoints. We use electrostatic cleaning with strong disinfectants in all areas of the ship frequently. All public spaces are disinfected with fogging, proven to eliminate virus.

We do regular checks of our heating, ventilation and air conditioning ventilator systems (HVAC). We continuously survey the quality of the drinking water onboard.
External partners are hired to conduct announced and unannounced hygiene inspections on all our ships.

No air is circulated between cabins in our ships. Cabin-to-cabin transmission of air is not possible.

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