COVID-19 Safety plan and protocols

Cruise Express is committed to providing all guests, Tour Managers and crew with a COVIDSafe environment in which to travel on our Rail Journeys. Please read carefully through the details below. We will ask for the cooperation of all suppliers to assist in implementing our COVIDSafe plan.

Pre journey checks and requirements
Pre boarding checks
Boarding the train
On the train
Food service
Disembarking the train
Coach travel
Dining venues
Places of Interest
In general
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Pre journey checks and requirements

• On making final payment all guests will be required to accept the COVIDSafe terms and conditions under which the journey will take place.
  

Pre boarding checks

• On arrival at the station you will be asked to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated via presentation of a MyGov, Medicare vaccination certificate or via any App introduced that provides that information.
• Present a recent negative COVID-19 test result and/or complete online check-in via a QR code stating that you are fit to travel
• If required, a temperature check of guests will be conducted prior to boarding
• If guests refuse the temperature check or register a temperature above 37.5 degrees or display any flu like symptoms* they will be denied boarding

* Possible COVID-19 symptoms include cough, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste, loss of smell or a fever (37.5° or higher)

Boarding the train

• Guests must bring and wear their own face masks on the platform before boarding; at times this may be a mandatory requirement.
• Guests will be provided with hand sanitiser before boarding
• Additional face masks and hand sanitiser will be available on board
• Boarding will be staggered where possible to allow for social distancing

On the train

• Guests will be required to follow the directions of Tour Managers and crew at all times; failure to do so may result in being offloaded or refused further travel
• Guests will be required to stay in their allocated seats and not move around the train except to visit the buffet car or use the bathroom
• Guests may be asked to wear face masks at any time
• Hand sanitiser and surface cleaner will be provided in the toilets
• Toilets will be cleaned regularly with hospital grade disinfectant 
• Train staff will ensure surfaces including door handles, railings, window catches, seat backs and kitchen surfaces are cleaned regularly with hospital grade disinfectant 
• Driver and guard areas will be sectioned off and not accessible to guests at any time
• If passengers display or develop any flu like symptoms during the trip they will be distanced from other guests where possible and may be disembarked
• Social distancing and maximum passenger number government guidelines will be adhered to

Food service

• Where food is provided on board, all food suppliers will have COVIDSafe plans for food preparation, handling and packaging
• All food provided onboard will be served in individual boxes or bags
• The distribution of food and drinks will be made by Tour Managers and/or train staff
• Staff may wear face masks and/or gloves whilst preparing and distributing food and beverages
• If guests bring their own snacks aboard they cannot be stored in a common area or shared with other guests
• Guests must be seated when consuming food or drinks

Disembarking the train

• Disembarkation from the train will be staggered where possible to allow for social distancing
• Guests will be requested not to congregate near the train while baggage is being offloaded

Coach travel

• Guests will be required to take their own luggage to/from the coaches and to socially distance where possible 
• Guests are requested not to move around the coaches once boarded
• Guests may be asked to wear face masks at any time

Dining venues 

• All dining venues will follow their own COVIDSafe plans for the serving of food and alcohol. Guests must comply with staff directions relevant to each venue
• Due to social distancing, whilst consuming food and beverages it may not be possible to seat travelling groups together at all times
• Guests will generally be required to remain seated throughout meals unless going to the bathroom

Places of Interest 

• Each venue will have its own COVIDSafe protocols. Guests must comply with these requirements and directions relating to group sizes and social distancing
• Some venues may require smaller groups, hence entry may be at staggered timings and the total visit time at venues may be restricted
  
• Outdoor attractions such as wineries and flower gardens will have their own COVIDSafe protocols for group visits
• Please comply with the instructions from venue management and your Tour Managers at all times

In general

• Cruise Express Tour Managers will follow the designated protocols as outlined above or as specified by the venues we visit. Every effort will be made to keep all guests safe and healthy, however guests must accept that is their own responsibility to keep themselves and their fellow passengers safe at all times
• Once final payment has been made and suppliers paid, refunds are not available
• If a tour is cancelled for any COVID related reason, clients will be provided with a Future Rail Travel credit in line with the terms and conditions of the specific tour. Please refer to these when booking.