Peru again allowing entry of international cruise ships

[Originally published April 19, 2022] Peru is once again welcoming international cruise ships to its ports of call in yet one more step toward the safe resumption of global travel.

“In accordance with the regulations issued to date, international cruise ships with their respective passengers and crew are allowed to enter the country,” Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications said in an April 11 statement, “and they will be provided with the port services they require.”

The announcement comes a little more than two years after Peru suspended the arrival of cruise ships to its ports on March 14, 2020, in an attempt to blunt the spread of Covid-19. Two days later, the country closed its borders and went into total lock-down for the better part of six months.

Peru received 28 cruise ships during the 2018-19 season at the ports of Callao (Lima), Salaverry (La Libertad), Pisco (Ica) and Matarani (Arequipa). The nation was expecting a record 37 ships for the 2019-20 cruise season, before it was cut short.

With this resumption, passengers and crew will be subject to the same health protocols currently required of airline travelers entering the country. All adults 18 and older must show proof that they’ve completed three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days before disembarking. Adolescents aged 12 and older must show proof of at least two doses. Those who have not completed their Covid-19 vaccinations within 14 days must present a negative PCR test that is no more than 48 hours old. The wearing of masks is also mandatory.

Usually about a quarter to a third of passengers will take advantage of shore leave. For many, it’s just for some sights seeing and to experience Peruvian cuisine. But many book full-day guided excursions of Lima or multi-day trips to highland destinations like Cusco and Machu Picchu.

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