THURROCK'S MP has called on the government to do its utmost to help get the UK cruise industry back up and running and bring an element of certainty so businesses can plan for their future.

Jackie Doyle-Price's borough constituency plays home to the International Cruise Terminal at Tilbury which is used by a number of cruise lines – including the Purfleet-based Cruise and Martime Voyages which recently announced it has gone into administration – despite having a significant number of confirmed cruise booking for 2021.

Among a number of cruise ships currently berthed within the Port of Tilbury are ships belong to the Saga travel group.

Yesterday (Sunday, 9 August), they were visited by Ms Doyle-Price and Transport Minister Kelly Tolhurst.

Ms Doyle-Price says: "We were the guests of Saga Cruises and we boarded the Spirit of Discovery to be walked through the plans that the Cruise industry has made to get their industry back to business. We were hosted by Euan Sutherland, CEO of Saga PLC.

"The cruise sector has been especially hard-hit by COVID-19. It has been heartbreaking to witness what were successful businesses suddenly face catastrophe as a consequence of this virus. It is very striking to visit Tilbury now and see the cruise ships all moored there at what would usually be the height of the tourist season.

"So I for one am very keen to see our ships sail as soon as they possibly can. Naturally the Government needs to be satisfied that the ships are COVID safe. I have to say I was very impressed with what I experienced.

"The first thing to note is that cruise ships are well-used to dealing with infection. The need to combat norovirus means that you can't move on a cruise ship without being faced with hand sanitiser. We also heard about how the ship could achieve social distancing and about the medical personnel on board.

"But a hat tip to Tilbury too.

"The cruise terminal has had something of a facelift and offers a beautifully clean environment to welcome the passengers and convey them to the ship in safety. On reaching the terminal my temperature was checked, my hands washed, my face masked whereupon I was directed to a cubicle to be tested. I tested negative for both COVID and the anti-body.

"One of our party was not so lucky. He tested positively COVID and was promptly taken home by car. What is clear is that our cruise terminal can more than manage being COVID secure.

"So I was impressed. I sincerely hope that the Government does give a green light for cruises to resume. Certainly, on the basis of what I have seen, I wouldn't be averse to going on one."