Princess Cruises says only UK residents who are vaccinated against Covid-19 will be able to board its new domestic trips this summer.

Passengers will be required to have received their second dose of a vaccine at least seven days before travel, and will need to show proof of their vaccination and the dates they received their jabs prior to boarding.

Princess Cruises plans 22 departures from Southampton onboard Regal Princess and Sky Princess between 31 July and 28 September for UK residents only. Prices for the ‘Summer Seacations’ start at £539 per person for three nights.

A statement from Princess Cruises said: “Given the advanced progress of the UK vaccination programme, and strong expressed preference on the part of guests for this limited series of UK coastal cruises, these sailings on Regal Princess and Sky Princess will be for UK resident Covid-19 vaccinated guests only.

“All guests and crew will be required to follow enhanced health and well-being measures to protect everyone onboard on these cruises. These have been developed with guidance from our global medical and public health experts and scientists and in close coordination with UK government agencies.

“These protocols include enhanced sanitisation measures, appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks in certain areas of the ship. Crew will also undergo a strict testing and quarantine regime as well as regular testing during their time on board.”

The need for vaccine certificates or passports for domestic events and international travel looks more likely every day.

Fellow cruise line P&O said earlier this week that only passengers who had received both vaccination jabs could board its UK cruises this summer.

Cyprus has said the island will be open to vaccinated British tourists from May.

Earlier this week the government launched a ‘call for evidence’ into Covid-status certification. This was followed by the European Commission proposing a Digital Green Certificate for travel within the EU.

Then today, Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has said that the government was considering ‘Covid certificates’ for larger events, such as sporting fixtures, after lockdown.