Pro Danube – with the involvement of its member from the white fleet – has collaborated to the IG River Cruise´s and European Barge Union´s initiative to develop a guideline for a minimum standard for resuming river cruises in Europe under COVID-19. The guideline includes the minimum standards regarding issues such as safety distances, disinfection, hygiene in all rooms of the ship (including kitchen and crew rooms) and regulates the reporting in the event of any illnesses. The clear aim of the measures is that the ship remains a safe place to stay and work for both guests and crew. The measures are strongly geared towards the hotel industry. In our opinion, this guide offers the desired flexibility for all companies in the river cruise shipping sector.

These measures have also been discussed at the last online Steering Group meeting of the EUSDR PA1a in May 2020 where Pro Danube also gave an update from the industry perspective