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Cruise passengers held in Hobart after positive cases confirmed

Passengers on the coral discoverer in hobart are being held onboard and tested for covid-19 after two confirmed cases were removed from the coral expeditions ship..

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Tasmania’s Premier Peter Gutwein said the two people who tested positive on the Coral Discoverer have been removed from the vessel.

About 60 passengers and 30 staff remain on board and are being tested for the virus with contact tracing to continue over the next two days.

The ship’s operators have activated their COVID response plan to manage the outbreak and ensure no broader risk to the wider community.

“We will continue to work closely with the vessel to ensure that any risk on board is being managed and to ensure there is no broader risk arising from the two cases that have occurred,” Deputy Director of Public Health Scott McKeown said.

Active infections in Tasmania have climbed to 1691 cases, but the premier said about 50 per cent of people were choosing not to use the COVID at home service because they were not symptomatic or were not feeling particularly unwell.

“Importantly, what we’re seeing at a national level is whilst case numbers are increasing as a result of the transmissibility of this disease, hospital numbers and ICU presentations are but a fraction of those overall cases,” Mr Gutwein said.

“I can understand people being a little anxious, it’s important people do stay calm.

“We need to ensure we step through this carefully, sensibly and responsibly as we manage the transition program that we have underway at the moment.”

Tasmania recently updated the definition of a close contact in line with national health advice. A close contact is someone who has had prolonged contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case during their infectious period, creating a high risk for transmission.

This could be a person who is a household contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, or someone who has spent  more than four hours with a confirmed case in a house, accommodation or care facility setting. You will be advised you are a contact by the case themselves or by a message from Public Health.

Click here for more information.

Source: AAP

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90 people onboard Tasmanian cruise ship deemed close contacts placed into quarantine after two positive cases

Around 90 people will spend at least seven days in quarantine after two passengers on board the Coral Discoverer cruise ship tested positive for COVID-19.

Around 90 passengers and crew members on a cruise ship in Tasmania will undergo at least seven days quarantine after two positive cases were found onboard.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch confirmed the Coral Discoverer posed no risk to the Tasmanian public adding that the ship was following the agreed protocols.

The Coral Discoverer - which is currently berthed in Hobart - had a COVID safety plan and measures in place but health authorities have deemed there was “significant exposure”.

Passengers and crew aboard the Coral Discoverer cruise ship berthed in Hobart have been determined to be close contacts and will all be required to quarantine for at least seven days #covid19tas — Monte Bovill (@MonteBovill) January 4, 2022

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Dr Mark Veitch confirmed the 90 people - reportedly 60 passengers and 30 staff - on the cruise ship had undertaken a PCR test with the results pending. 

The decision to send those onboard into quarantine came after Public Health interviewed the two confirmed cases and considered the activities and COVID safe plan of the cruise ship.

Despite the COVID safety plan health authorities believe there was still a high risk of transmission between those onboard.

“The nature of its operation and proximity of passengers and crew meant there was significant exposure of passengers and crew to the cases in an environment where there was a high risk of transmission,” a statement from Dr Veitch read.

The Coral Discoverer had been following all the necessary COVID-19 protocols to be operating in Tasmanian waters.

“The domestic cruise ship was operating in line with agreed protocols that enable the operation of domestic cruise ships in Tasmanian waters with requirements that need to be complied with,” Dr Veitch wrote.

According to the Tasmanian Government Coronavirus website close contacts are required to quarantine for seven days and immediately take a rapid antigen test. 

If a negative result is received the close contact must still remain in quarantine for seven days but if a positive result is received they must get a follow up PCR test.

On day six another rapid test is required and if a negative result is returned the close contact may exit quarantine on day seven. 

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Passenger tests positive to COVID-19 on cruise ship in Hobart

Passengers and crew who were on a cruise ship that arrived in Hobart on Sunday are isolating following a confirmed case of COVID-19 onboard.

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The passenger is experiencing mild symptoms and tested positive through a RAT on the final day of the cruise.

READ MORE: Derby cafe to transform into brewing and distilling hub

The boutique cruise ship left Hobart on January 27 for a 10-day cruise that did not leave Tasmanian waters.

Passengers and crew will be required to isolate for seven days in hotel quarantine as close contacts.

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Festival-goers and cruise attendees among those on high alert amid tasmania covid-19 outbreak, covid hospitalisation stressing the health care system.

Passengers on a cruise ship in Hobart are being held onboard and tested for COVID-19 after two confirmed cases.

Public health officials are also concerned about a rising number of infections associated with a music festival at Launceston with 25 linked to the event so far.

Tasmania’s Premier Peter Gutwein said the two people who tested positive on the Coral Discoverer have been removed from the vessel.

About 60 passengers and 30 staff remain on board and are being tested for the virus with contact tracing to continue over the next two days.

The ship’s operators have activated their COVID response plan to manage the outbreak and ensure no broader risk to the wider community.

“We will continue to work closely with the vessel to ensure that any risk on board is being managed and to ensure there is no broader risk arising from the two cases that have occurred,” Deputy Director of Public Health Scott McKeown said.

The premier said the people who attended the Party In the Apocalypse at Launceston’s Inveresk Park on December 27 and 28 were also being asked to carefully monitor for symptoms with two dozen infections now linked to the event, attended by about 10,000 fans.

“I want to be really clear (that) this does not mean that everybody who attended Party in the Apocalypse needs to turn up at a testing clinic or take a rapid antigen test,” he said on Monday.

“But if you were at that event, you need to use your commonsense and monitor for symptoms and if symptomatic please call the public health hotline and go and get a PCR test.”

The two areas of concern come as Tasmania reported a record 466 new COVID-19 cases, although Mr Gutwein said the majority were experiencing only mild symptoms.

Only two people with the virus are in hospital and both were admitted for other reasons.

Active infections have climbed to 1691 cases, but the premier said about 50 per cent of people were choosing not to use the COVID at home service because they were not symptomatic or were not feeling particularly unwell.

“Importantly, what we’re seeing at a national level is whilst case numbers are increasing as a result of the transmissibility of this disease, hospital numbers and ICU presentations are but a fraction of those overall cases,” Mr Gutwein said.

" I can understand people being a little anxious, it’s important people do stay calm "

“I can understand people being a little anxious, it’s important people do stay calm.

“We need to ensure we step through this carefully, sensibly and responsibly as we manage the transition program that we have underway at the moment.”

But the Labor opposition said the government’s reopening plan had created such uncertainty and anxiety in the community that much of the economy, businesses and workers were not benefitting at all.

“Alongside family reunions, the economy, including hospitality and tourism, were key reasons behind the border reopening, however, the government’s failed plan is putting increased pressure on them,” Workplace Relations Spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said.

“Changes to close contact rules and the notification of exposure sites, a lack of transparency and communication from the government and surging case numbers have seen many businesses struggle and some even make the decision to temporarily close to ensure the safety of staff and the community.”

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Covid-19: cruise passengers jump ship that arrived in hobart from nz.

About 400 cruise ship passengers and staff have been barred from disembarking in Hobart due to concerns over Tasmania's coronavirus status - however, a few have managed to get off the ship.

There is not thought to be an outbreak of coronavirus on the MSC Magnifica ship. [FILE PIC] Photo: AFP

The MSC Magnifica, which arrived from New Zealand this morning, has docked in Hobart.

Cruise company MSC Cruises had taken the decision to stop people disembarking "to ensure [passengers'] health and safety, in response to potential risk of Covid-19", according to a TasPorts spokesperson.

The Mac 2 cruise terminal will be closed today as part of normal procedures.

At a press conference today, Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said the decision followed national advice on border control.

"We obviously act on the advice of the Australian Border Agency in terms of what occurs nationally, but controls that are set by the Australian government are the ones we take into account, and also the advice of our own health experts and the Director of Public Health."

"My understanding is there's no outbreak of coronavirus on the ship itself and this is a precautionary measure that the ship [company] has taken."

Roger Preston-Smith, who works on the Magnifica, decided to disembark.

"They are just not letting people off if you are getting back on. They were afraid that they would infect people getting back on," he said.

"I don't think most people knew that."

Preston-Smith said he had "lots of friends in Australia and I just went, 'I'd rather be out here.'

"I knew some other people were leaving, people are leaving in Sydney a lot, but when I found this out I went, 'Do it while you can.'"

He said he was not fussed about having to give up his income.

"I don't want to be stuck on that ship, it's too stressful. They're just going to go out to sea and who knows how long it will sit there."

Fifth coronavirus case a man in his 60s

Meanwhile, the government has confirmed that Tasmania's fifth case of coronavirus is a man in his 60s who recently travelled in North America and Canada.

He is in a stable condition and in isolation at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the man became unwell after he arrived in Tasmania.

"Because of the period of time between him arriving in Tasmania and the onset of his symptoms, he was not infectious on his international or domestic flights," she said.

A total of 224 people in the state have been tested as of midday yesterday for the virus.

So far, all five cases of the virus in the state have been related to overseas travel, rather than transmission within the community.

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What’s it like to go on a cruise now? Here’s how COVID changed the onboard experience

Cruise passengers will see a lot of changes on the ship due to the pandemic.

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The cruise industry suffered its biggest financial blow in decades when the COVID-19 pandemic halted most sailings for months and made nervous cruise fans think twice about booking an ocean voyage.

But cruising is back and all signs point to a turn of the tide for the industry: More cruises are scheduled to depart the Port of Los Angeles next year than in 2019.

Carnival Corp., the world’s largest cruise company, reported that bookings for the second half of 2022 already surpassed bookings for 2019. Royal Caribbean cruises for 2022 are nearly at 2019 levels, the company’s chief financial officer, Jason Liberty, said on a recent earnings call.

Despite the shutdown, the world’s cruise lines have more than 100 new ships on order to set sail by 2027. The Majestic Princess, a ship designed to serve the Chinese market, made its maiden call from the Port of L.A. on Oct. 6. Some 200 cruises are scheduled to depart from there in 2022, up from 120 in 2019.

What are cruise lines requiring of passengers? How have boarding, dining and other activities on board changed? We gathered some information to answer common questions.

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Do I have to be vaccinated to go on a cruise?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all passengers be fully vaccinated before boarding a cruise ship. The world’s largest cruise companies now require passengers leaving U.S. ports to be fully vaccinated, with limited exceptions. Vaccines are required for passengers on Carnival , Princess , Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines.

You will usually be required to show proof of vaccination at the terminal before boarding. Some cruise lines will also require passengers — whether vaccinated or not — to show proof of a COVID-19 test taken within two days of boarding a vessel. Check the requirements and protocols of your particular cruise.

Do I have to wear a mask at all times on the ship?

Passengers are strongly encouraged to wear masks in public spaces and are required to do so in such indoor areas as elevators, stores, casinos and dining halls, except when eating or drinking. You typically won’t be required to wear masks around the pool and hot tubs, but deck chairs are spaced farther apart than in the past to maintain physical distance.

What about shore visits and excursions?

To go onshore, you must meet the health protocols of the country the ship visits. The government of the Bahamas, for example, recently announced that all cruise visitors must be fully vaccinated, with the exception of travelers under age 12 and those with medical exemptions.

On some ships, such as Carnival Cruises, unvaccinated passengers are not allowed to go onshore except with a pre-booked “bubble tour,” in which passengers travel with friends and family in a controlled environment. On other cruise lines, such as Holland America, shore excursions managed by the ship are strongly encouraged.

Are ships sailing at full capacity?

Most ships are sailing at less than full capacity, partly to encourage physical distancing. The Majestic Princess left on its maiden voyage from the Port of Los Angeles at about 60% capacity. The cruise lines plan to increase capacity over the next few months.

Have any activities been eliminated because of COVID-19?

You won’t be lining up at the buffet for meals. Most self-serve buffets have been modified so that employees serve passengers to avoid unnecessary crowding. Indoor dancing, karaoke and nightclubs are no longer allowed on many ships, including the Majestic Princess, which converted its karaoke area into extra room for spa treatments. On some ships, passengers won’t be allowed to try on clothing for sale. Physical distancing is encouraged for all activities.

Will I need to make reservations for dining and other onboard activities?

To manage capacity and physical distancing, many onboard restaurants recommend reservations and will limit groups at dining tables to eight. On Princess Cruises, reservations can be made through the MedallionClass app. On Celebrity Cruises, reservations can be made on the Celebrity Cruises App.

What else do I need to know?

You won’t be required to assemble at a designated spot on the ship to hear the pre-departure safety instruction, also known as the “safety muster drill.” Instead, passengers can watch parts of the safety drill on their stateroom televisions or on a cruise ship app.

Spas and gyms remain open, but some cruise lines limit them to vaccinated guests. Hand sanitizer stations can be found throughout the ships.

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Cruise ship and festival spark Tas concern

Passengers on a cruise ship in Hobart are being held onboard and tested for COVID-19 after two confirmed cases.

Subscribe now for unlimited access .

Login or signup to continue reading

Public health officials are also concerned about a rising number of infections associated with a music festival at Launceston with 25 linked to the event so far.

Tasmania's Premier Peter Gutwein said the two people who tested positive on the Coral Discoverer have been removed from the vessel.

About 60 passengers and 30 staff remain on board and are being tested for the virus with contact tracing to continue over the next two days.

The ship's operators have activated their COVID response plan to manage the outbreak and ensure no broader risk to the wider community.

"We will continue to work closely with the vessel to ensure that any risk on board is being managed and to ensure there is no broader risk arising from the two cases that have occurred," Deputy Director of Public Health Scott McKeown said.

The premier said the people who attended the Party In the Apocalypse at Launceston's Inveresk Park on December 27 and 28 were also being asked to carefully monitor for symptoms with two dozen infections now linked to the event, attended by about 10,000 fans.

"I want to be really clear (that) this does not mean that everybody who attended Party in the Apocalypse needs to turn up at a testing clinic or take a rapid antigen test," he said on Monday.

"But if you were at that event, you need to use your commonsense and monitor for symptoms and if symptomatic please call the public health hotline and go and get a PCR test."

The two areas of concern come as Tasmania reported a record 466 new COVID-19 cases, although Mr Gutwein said the majority were experiencing only mild symptoms.

Only two people with the virus are in hospital and both were admitted for other reasons.

Active infections have climbed to 1691 cases, but the premier said about 50 per cent of people were choosing not to use the COVID at home service because they were not symptomatic or were not feeling particularly unwell.

"Importantly, what we're seeing at a national level is whilst case numbers are increasing as a result of the transmissibility of this disease, hospital numbers and ICU presentations are but a fraction of those overall cases," Mr Gutwein said.

"I can understand people being a little anxious, it's important people do stay calm.

"We need to ensure we step through this carefully, sensibly and responsibly as we manage the transition program that we have underway at the moment."

But the Labor opposition said the government's reopening plan had created such uncertainty and anxiety in the community that much of the economy, businesses and workers were not benefitting at all.

"Alongside family reunions, the economy, including hospitality and tourism, were key reasons behind the border reopening, however, the government's failed plan is putting increased pressure on them," Workplace Relations Spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said.

"Changes to close contact rules and the notification of exposure sites, a lack of transparency and communication from the government and surging case numbers have seen many businesses struggle and some even make the decision to temporarily close to ensure the safety of staff and the community."

Australian Associated Press

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Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing

A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing.

Cruise lines have shifted their requirements for passengers, making cruising accessible to practically everyone. Many popular cruise lines have eliminated the vaccine and pre-embarkation test as the industry is beginning to shift away from mandatory vaccines and testing.

The changes began shortly after the CDC ended a pandemic-era policy of publicly displaying COVID-19 cases onboard, different cruise lines to the public in July 2022. For those looking to check current COVID-19 trends onboard the CDC urges direct contact with the cruise line, and the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships.

Below, we break down each line's list of regulations to sail as well as what travelers need to know to plan.

Avalon Waterways

Where they sail: These small-ship river cruises sail throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and down the Nile River in Egypt.

Who needs the vaccine: All international travelers from the U.S. must be fully vaccinated before boarding. Beginning March 2023 the vaccine is no longer required (but strongly encouraged).

What other safety measures are in place: All guests will undergo a health screening upon arrival and luggage will be disinfected. Avalon will provide COVID-19 testing for travelers who need to show proof of a negative test to return home at no extra cost. Depending on the location of the cruise a pre-departure COVID-19 test may or may not be required.

Find out more: Avalon Waterways

Where they sail : Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents.

Who needs the vaccine : All guests and crew 12 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding a ship. Beginning Dec. 1, 2022, the company plans to drop the vaccine requirement for departures from the U.S. and Europe.

What other safety measures are in place : Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. For a full list of ports and whether they require a test guests can check online .

Azamara's ships have been upgraded with new HVAC filtration systems, and EPA-certified disinfectants are used to clean the ship.

Find out more : Azamara

Carnival Cruises

Where they sail: Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. The company sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras out of Florida in July.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are encouraged to be vaccinated but unvaccinated travelers, or vaccinated guests without proof of vaccination, will have to present the negative results of a PCR or antigen test taken no earlier than 3 days before sailing.

What other safety measures are in place: For cruises five days or less, there will no longer be pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers unless a specific port requires it. Itineraries including Bahamas, Bermuda, or Grand Cayman will still be required to test. All guests will also be required to fill out a health screening 72 hours before embarkation and undergo health screenings prior to boarding. Unvaccinated travelers on a cruise to Bermuda will be required to purchase travel insurance (children under 12 are exempt as long as they are traveling with vaccinated parents).

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests who have recovered from COVID-19 within three months of their sailing date, do not need the required pre-cruise COVID test before embarkation, only if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, have no symptoms and present documentation of recovery from COVID-19 from their healthcare provider.

Find out more: Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world.

Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. A vaccine is required for sailings visiting Canada.

What other safety measures are in place: A pre-embarkation test is no longer required for vaccinated guests on sailings nine days or less. Unvaccinated passengers will still be required to test three days prior to sailing. Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada.

Find out more : Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Cunard, which sails all over the world, is known for its transatlantic journeys aboard the Queen Mary 2.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 18 and older must be fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure.

What other safety measures are in place: Cunard has "enhanced" their onboard ventilation systems and implemented mandatory mask-wearing policies indoors. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are on supplementary oxygen, will not be allowed to board.

Disney Cruise Line

Where they sail: Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccination is no longer required by highly suggested.

What other safety measures are in place: Unvaccinated guests must provide results of a COVID-19 test taken 1 to 2 days before sail date, at home tests are not accepted, this requirement will end Nov. 14. The Cruise line also has a full list of enhanced cleaning protocols.

Find out more: Disney Cruise Line

Grand Circle Cruise Line

Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot.

What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters and buffets have been eliminated. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel , and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel.

Find out mor e: Grand Circle Cruise Line

Holland America

Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more.

Who needs the vaccine: Unvaccinated guests are welcome but will be required to self-test three days before cruising.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated passengers traveling on ships for less than 16 days excluding itineraries with the Panama Canal, trans-ocean, and other selected itineraries will no longer be required to test.

Lindblad Expeditions

Where they sail: Lindblad Expeditions is known for its adventurous trips to hard-to-reach destinations like Antarctica and the Russian Far East, partnering with National Geographic to add to the experience.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older need to be vaccinated before boarding. Boosters are recommended but not required.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination.

Margaritaville at Sea

Where they sail: Margaritaville at Sea offers 3-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing from the port of Palm Beach. The cruise line also offers the opportunity to take the ship one way to the Bahamas to allow guests to stay at the Margaritaville resort, and then take the ship back to the Bahamas at a later date.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome regardless of vaccination status, according to the cruise line.

What other safety measures are in place: All crew members must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and the cruise line states there are vaccination requirements on board (but does not specify).

Find out more: Margaritaville at Sea

MSC Cruises

Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are recommended but no longer required.

What other safety measures are in place: Fully-vaccinated passengers are no longer required to show proof of a negative test unless it is required of the destination. Unvaccinated children must show proof of a negative PCR test.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Where they sail: Norwegian sails big ocean cruises all around the world, including popular itineraries all throughout the Caribbean and Greece.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers may sail regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required for any passenger regardless of vaccination status with the exception of local government mandates.

Find out more : Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers regardless of vaccination status are allowed to sail.

What other safety measures are in place: Only unvaccinated guests will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to boarding. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt.

P&O Cruises

Where they sail: The UK-based cruise line sails around Europe, including to the Canary Islands, as well as to the Caribbean from Southampton in the UK.

Who needs the vaccine: Although P&O Cruises' policy states that passengers over the age of 15 are required to be vaccinated, the latest update on its website says guests will be contacted directly in regards to vaccination protocol.

What other safety measures are in place: All guests are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the terminal. Masks will be required on board indoors, and all shore excursions will be with vetted operators.

Princess Cruises

Where they sail: The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome on board, but unvaccinated passengers will be required to test and may need an additional medical exemption at some ports.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Where they sail: Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive luxury cruises around the globe, which include perks like free airfare, free excursions, and complimentary unlimited drinks on board.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are now welcome. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. Currently cruises leaving from Bermuda, Canada, and Greece will require a test.

Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia.

Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated.

W hat other safety measures are in place: On Royal Caribbean, unvaccinated travelers 12 and older leaving from a U.S. or Caribbean port still have to get tested within three days of embarkation,  according to the cruise line , vaccinated guests are exempt.

Royal Caribbean will accept a variety of tests as proof to board, including simply taking a photo of a self-administered home test.

Find out more : Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot at least 14 days before boarding a ship. Saga was the first major cruise line to implement this vaccination policy.

What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. Masks are required on bus transfers, in hotels, and on excursions.

Find out more : Saga

Where they sail: Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are not required on most cruise itineraries, unvaccinated guests will be required to present a negative test taken within three days of embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized.

Where they sail: Silversea brings guests all around the world in luxury and style, including to the Galapagos and Antarctica.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome, however, unvaccinated guests may not be welcome on all sailings depending on local regulations.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated guests do not need a pre-departure test unless local regulations such as cruises leaving from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, or Greece require it. Unvaccinated travelers will need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of embarkation.

UnCruise Adventures

Where they sail: This small-ship company is known for its Alaska journeys as well as adventures in places like the Galapagos and island hopping in Hawaii.

Who needs the vaccine: As of April 7, all guests are welcome on board regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test prior to, or during any point of sailing and the cruise line will no longer be running at limited capacity. These measures go into effect on April 7, until then guests 12 and older must provide proof of vaccination, and itineraries may sail at less then full capacity.

Masks are required in public spaces, according to the company "bandana" and "buff" face masks will not be accepted.

Victory Cruise Lines

Where they sail: Victory Cruise Lines is known for its Great Lakes cruises, providing all-inclusive sailings to see breathtaking sights from Niagara Falls to the iconic architecture of Chicago from Lake Michigan. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew will be required to be vaccinated before boarding, and will be required to show physical proof prior to boarding.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required on any river cruise.

Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board.

Viking Cruises

Where they sail: Viking sails ocean and river cruises all over the world, including throughout Europe. This summer, Viking will sail several voyages, including around England for UK residents, to Bermuda, and to Iceland in June.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. Guests who are eligible must have a booster.

What other safety measures are in place: In addition to vaccines, all guests may be required to undergo a saliva PCR test at embarkation as well as "frequent" testing throughout the journey. All staterooms are equipped with independent air handling units.

Virgin Voyages

Where they sail: The brand-new cruise line is launching mini sailings from England for UK residents, and has cruises throughout the Caribbean, and transatlantic options.

Who needs the vaccine: All are welcome regardless of vaccination status, the cruise line removed all vaccine and testing requirements for all its ships in late October, according to the company.

What other safety measures are in place: Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to eliminate pre-departure testing for vaccinated guests. The cruise line will continue to work with an advisory board to help ensure health and safety on board at all times, including the use of air filtration systems and sanitization of high touch surface areas.

Find out more : Virgin Voyages

Windstar Cruises

Where they sail: Windstar operates small-ship cruises and several sailing vessels all around the globe, including to places like Central America .

Who needs the vaccine: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding one of Windstar's yachts. Boosters are highly encouraged and are recommended to be administered at least one week prior to travel.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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Public Health Responses to COVID-19 Outbreaks on Cruise Ships — Worldwide, February–March 2020

Weekly / March 27, 2020 / 69(12);347-352

On March 23, 2020, this report was posted online as an MMWR Early Release.

Please note: This report has been corrected .

Leah F. Moriarty, MPH 1 ; Mateusz M. Plucinski, PhD 1 ; Barbara J. Marston, MD 1 ; Ekaterina V. Kurbatova, MD, PhD 1 ; Barbara Knust, DVM 1 ; Erin L. Murray, PhD 2 ; Nicki Pesik, MD 1 ; Dale Rose, PhD 1 ; David Fitter, MD 1 ; Miwako Kobayashi, MD, PhD 1 ; Mitsuru Toda, PhD 1 ; start highlight Paul T. Cantey, MD 1 ; end highlight Tara Scheuer, MPH 3 ; Eric S. Halsey, MD 1 ; Nicole J. Cohen, MD 1 ; Lauren Stockman, MPH 2 ; Debra A. Wadford, PhD 2 ; Alexandra M. Medley, DVM 1 ,4 ; Gary Green, MD 5 ; Joanna J. Regan, MD 1 ; Kara Tardivel, MD 1 ; Stefanie White, MPH 1 ; start highlight Clive Brown, MD 1 ; end highlight Christina Morales, PhD 2 ; Cynthia Yen, MPH 2 ; Beth Wittry, MPH 1 ; Amy Freeland, PhD 1 ; Sara Naramore, MPH 3 ; Ryan T. Novak, PhD 1 ; David Daigle, MPH 1 ; Michelle Weinberg, MD 1 ; Anna Acosta, MD 1 ; Carolyn Herzig, PhD 1 ; Bryan K Kapella, MD 1 ; Kathleen R. Jacobson, MD 2 ; Katherine Lamba, MPH 2 ; Atsuyoshi Ishizumi, MPH, MSc 1 ; John Sarisky, MPH 1 ; Erik Svendsen, PhD 1 ; Tricia Blocher, MS 2 ; Christine Wu, MD 3 ; Julia Charles, JD 1 ; Riley Wagner, MPH 1 ; Andrea Stewart, PhD 1 ; Paul S. Mead, MD 1 ; Elizabeth Kurylo, MCM 1 ; Stefanie Campbell, DVM 1 ; Rachel Murray, MPH 1 ; Paul Weidle, PharmD 1 ; Martin Cetron, MD 1 ; Cindy R. Friedman, MD 1 ; CDC Cruise Ship Response Team; California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Team; Solano County COVID-19 Team ( View author affiliations )

What is already known about this topic?

Cruise ships are often settings for outbreaks of infectious diseases because of their closed environment and contact between travelers from many countries.

What is added by this report?

More than 800 cases of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases occurred during outbreaks on three cruise ship voyages, and cases linked to several additional cruises have been reported across the United States. Transmission occurred across multiple voyages from ship to ship by crew members; both crew members and passengers were affected; 10 deaths associated with cruise ships have been reported to date.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Outbreaks of COVID-19 on cruise ships pose a risk for rapid spread of disease beyond the voyage. Aggressive efforts are required to contain spread. All persons should defer all cruise travel worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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An estimated 30 million passengers are transported on 272 cruise ships worldwide each year* ( 1 ). Cruise ships bring diverse populations into proximity for many days, facilitating transmission of respiratory illness ( 2 ). SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has since spread worldwide to at least 187 countries and territories. Widespread COVID-19 transmission on cruise ships has been reported as well ( 3 ). Passengers on certain cruise ship voyages might be aged ≥65 years, which places them at greater risk for severe consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection ( 4 ). During February–March 2020, COVID-19 outbreaks associated with three cruise ship voyages have caused more than 800 laboratory-confirmed cases among passengers and crew, including 10 deaths. Transmission occurred across multiple voyages of several ships. This report describes public health responses to COVID-19 outbreaks on these ships. COVID-19 on cruise ships poses a risk for rapid spread of disease, causing outbreaks in a vulnerable population, and aggressive efforts are required to contain spread. All persons should defer all cruise travel worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During February 7–23, 2020, the largest cluster of COVID-19 cases outside mainland China occurred on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined in the port of Yokohama, Japan, on February 3 ( 3 ). On March 6, cases of COVID-19 were identified in persons on the Grand Princess cruise ship off the coast of California; that ship was subsequently quarantined. By March 17, confirmed cases of COVID-19 had been associated with at least 25 additional cruise ship voyages. On February 21, CDC recommended avoiding travel on cruise ships in Southeast Asia; on March 8, this recommendation was broadened to include deferring all cruise ship travel worldwide for those with underlying health conditions and for persons aged ≥65 years. On March 13, the Cruise Lines International Association announced a 30-day voluntary suspension of cruise operations in the United States ( 5 ). CDC issued a level 3 travel warning on March 17, recommending that all cruise travel be deferred worldwide. †

Diamond Princess

On January 20, 2020, the Diamond Princess cruise ship departed Yokohama, Japan, carrying approximately 3,700 passengers and crew ( Table ). On January 25, a symptomatic passenger departed the ship in Hong Kong, where he was evaluated; testing confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. On February 3, the ship returned to Japan, after making six stops in three countries. Japanese authorities were notified of the COVID-19 diagnosis in the passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong, and the ship was quarantined. Information about social distancing and monitoring of symptoms was communicated to passengers. On February 5, passengers were quarantined in their cabins; crew continued to work and, therefore, could not be isolated in their cabins ( 6 ). Initially, travelers with fever or respiratory symptoms and their close contacts were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All those with positive test results were disembarked and hospitalized. Testing was later expanded to support a phased disembarkation of passengers, prioritizing testing of older persons, those with underlying medical conditions, and those in internal cabins with no access to the outdoors. During February 16–23, nearly 1,000 persons were repatriated by air to their home countries, including 329 persons who returned to the United States and entered quarantine or isolation. § , ¶

The remaining passengers who had negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test results,** no respiratory symptoms, and no close contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19 completed a 14-day ship-based quarantine before disembarkation. Those passengers who had close contact with a person with a confirmed case completed land-based quarantine, with duration determined by date of last contact. After disembarkation of all passengers, crew members either completed a 14-day ship-based quarantine, were repatriated to and managed in their home country, or completed a 14-day land-based quarantine in Japan.

Overall, 111 (25.9%) of 428 U.S. citizens and legal residents did not join repatriation flights either because they had been hospitalized in Japan or for other reasons. To mitigate SARS-CoV-2 importation into the United States, CDC used temporary “Do Not Board” restrictions ( 7 ) to prevent commercial airline travel to the United States, †† and the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security restricted travel to the United States for non-U.S. travelers.

Among 3,711 Diamond Princess passengers and crew, 712 (19.2%) had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2 ( Figure 1 ). Of these, 331 (46.5%) were asymptomatic at the time of testing. Among 381 symptomatic patients, 37 (9.7%) required intensive care, and nine (1.3%) died ( 8 ). Infections also occurred among three Japanese responders, including one nurse, one quarantine officer, and one administrative officer ( 9 ). As of March 13, among 428 U.S. passengers and crew, 107 (25.0%) had positive test results for COVID-19; 11 U.S. passengers remain hospitalized in Japan (median age = 75 years), including seven in serious condition (median age = 76 years).

Grand Princess

During February 11–21, 2020, the Grand Princess cruise ship sailed roundtrip from San Francisco, California, making four stops in Mexico (voyage A). Most of the 1,111 crew and 68 passengers from voyage A remained on board for a second voyage that departed San Francisco on February 21 (voyage B), with a planned return on March 7 (Table). On March 4, a clinician in California reported two patients with COVID-19 symptoms who had traveled on voyage A, one of whom had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2. CDC notified the cruise line, which began cancelling group activities on voyage B. More than 20 additional cases of COVID-19 among persons who did not travel on voyage B have been identified from Grand Princess voyage A, the majority in California. One death has been reported. On March 5, a response team was transported by helicopter to the ship to collect specimens from 45 passengers and crew with respiratory symptoms for SARS-CoV-2 testing; 21 (46.7%), including two passengers and 19 crew, had positive test results. Passengers and symptomatic crew members were asked to self-quarantine in their cabins, and room service replaced public dining until disembarkation. Following docking in Oakland, California, on March 8, passengers and crew were transferred to land-based sites for a 14-day quarantine period or isolation. Persons requiring medical attention for other conditions or for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 were evaluated, tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and hospitalized if indicated. During land-based quarantine in the United States, all persons were offered SARS-CoV-2 testing. As of March 21, of 469 persons with available test results, 78 (16.6%) had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2. Repatriation flights for foreign nationals were organized by several governments in coordination with U.S. federal and California state government agencies. Following disinfection of the vessel according to guidance from CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, remaining foreign nationals will complete quarantine on board. The quarantine will be managed by the cruise company, with technical assistance provided by public health experts.

On February 21, five crew members from voyage A transferred to three other ships with a combined 13,317 passengers on board. No-sail orders §§ were issued by CDC for these ships until medical logs were reviewed and the crew members tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.

Additional Ships

The Diamond Princess and Grand Princess had more than 800 total COVID-19 cases, including 10 deaths. During February 3–March 13, in the United States, approximately 200 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed among returned cruise travelers from multiple ship voyages, including the Diamond Princess and Grand Princess, accounting for approximately 17% of total reported U.S. cases at the time ( 10 ). Cases linked with cruise travel have been reported to CDC in at least 15 states. Since February, multiple international cruises have been implicated in reports of COVID-19 cases, including at least 60 cases in the United States from Nile River cruises in Egypt ( Figure 2 ). Secondary community-acquired cases linked to returned passengers on cruises have also been reported (CDC, unpublished data, 2020).

Public health responses to COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships were aimed at limiting transmission among passengers and crew, preventing exportation of COVID-19 to other communities, and assuring the safety of travelers and responders. These responses required the coordination of stakeholders across multiple sectors, including U.S. Government departments and agencies, foreign ministries of health, foreign embassies, state and local public health departments, hospitals, laboratories, and cruise ship companies. At the time of the Diamond Princess outbreak, it became apparent that passengers disembarking from cruise ships could be a source of community transmission. Therefore, aggressive efforts to contain transmission on board and prevent further transmission upon disembarkation and repatriation were instituted. These efforts included travel restrictions applied to persons, movement restrictions applied to ships, infection prevention and control measures, (e.g., use of personal protective equipment for medical and cleaning staff), disinfection of the cabins of persons with suspected COVID-19, provision of communication materials, notification of state health departments, and investigation of contacts of cases identified among U.S. returned travelers.

Cruise ships are often settings for outbreaks of infectious diseases because of their closed environment, contact between travelers from many countries, and crew transfers between ships. On the Diamond Princess, transmission largely occurred among passengers before quarantine was implemented, whereas crew infections peaked after quarantine ( 6 ). On the Grand Princess, crew members were likely infected on voyage A and then transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to passengers on voyage B. The results of testing of passengers and crew on board the Diamond Princess demonstrated a high proportion (46.5%) of asymptomatic infections at the time of testing. Available statistical models of the Diamond Princess outbreak suggest that 17.9% of infected persons never developed symptoms ( 9 ). A high proportion of asymptomatic infections could partially explain the high attack rate among cruise ship passengers and crew. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was identified on a variety of surfaces in cabins of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers up to 17 days after cabins were vacated on the Diamond Princess but before disinfection procedures had been conducted (Takuya Yamagishi, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, personal communication, 2020). Although these data cannot be used to determine whether transmission occurred from contaminated surfaces, further study of fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2 aboard cruise ships is warranted.

During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Diamond Princess was the setting of the largest outbreak outside mainland China. Many other cruise ships have since been implicated in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Factors that facilitate spread on cruise ships might include mingling of travelers from multiple geographic regions and the closed nature of a cruise ship environment. This is particularly concerning for older passengers, who are at increased risk for serious complications of COVID-19 ( 4 ). The Grand Princess was an example of perpetuation of transmission from crew members across multiple consecutive voyages and the potential introduction of the virus to passengers and crew on other ships. Public health responses to cruise ship outbreaks require extensive resources. Temporary suspension of cruise ship travel during the current phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has been partially implemented by cruise lines through voluntary suspensions of operations, and by CDC through its unprecedented use of travel notices and warnings for conveyances to limit disease transmission ( 5 ).

Acknowledgments

Staff members responding to COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships; Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; California Department of Public Health; cruise ship passengers; Princess Cruises; Christina Armantas, Matthew Bacinskas, Cynthia Bernas, Brandon Brown, Teal Bullick, Lyndsey Chaille, Martin Cilnis, Gail Cooksey, Ydelita Gonzales, Christopher Kilonzo, Chun Kim, Ruth Lopez, Dominick Morales, Chris Preas, Kyle Rizzo, Hilary Rosen, Sarah Rutschmann, Maria Vu, California Department of Public Health, Richmond and Sacramento; Ben Gammon, Ted Selby, Solano County Public Health; Medic Ambulance Service; NorthBay HealthCare; Sutter Solano Medical Center; Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center; Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center start highlight ; field teams at repatriation sites; National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan end highlight .

CDC Cruise Ship Response Team

Casey Barton Behravesh, CDC; Adam Bjork, CDC; William Bower, CDC; Catherine Bozio, CDC; Zachary Braden, CDC; Mary Catherine Bertulfo, CDC; Kevin Chatham-Stephens, CDC; Victoria Chu, CDC; Barbara Cooper, CDC; Kathleen Dooling, CDC; Christine Dubray, CDC; Emily Curren, CDC; Margaret A. Honein, CDC; Kathryn Ivey, CDC; Jefferson Jones, CDC; Melissa Kadzik, CDC; Nancy Knight, CDC; Mariel Marlow, CDC; Audrey McColloch, CDC; Robert McDonald, CDC; Andrew Klevos, CDC; Sarah Poser, CDC; Robin A. Rinker, CDC; Troy Ritter, CDC; Luis Rodriguez, CDC; Matthew Ryan, CDC; Zachary Schneider, CDC; Caitlin Shockey, CDC; Jill Shugart, CDC; Margaret Silver, CDC; Paul W. Smith, CDC; Farrell Tobolowsky, CDC; Aimee Treffiletti, CDC; Megan Wallace, CDC; Jonathan Yoder, CDC.

California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Team

Pennan Barry, California Department of Public Health; Ricardo Berumen, III, California Department of Public Health; Brooke Bregman, California Department of Public Health; Kevin Campos, California Department of Public Health; Shua Chai, California Department of Public Health; Rosie Glenn-Finer, California Department of Public Health; Hugo Guevara, California Department of Public Health; Jill Hacker, California Department of Public Health; Kristina Hsieh, California Department of Public Health; Mary Kate Morris, California Department of Public Health; Ryan Murphy, California Department of Public Health; Jennifer F. Myers, California Department of Public Health; Tasha Padilla, California Department of Public Health; Chao-Yang Pan, California Department of Public Health; Adam Readhead, California Department of Public Health; Estela Saguar, California Department of Public Health; Maria Salas, California Department of Public Health; Robert E. Snyder, California Department of Public Health; Duc Vugia, California Department of Public Health; James Watt, California Department of Public Health; Cindy Wong, California Department of Public Health.

Solano County COVID-19 Team

Meileen Acosta, Solano County Department of Public Health; Shai Davis, Solano County Department of Public Health; Beatrix Kapuszinsky, Solano County Department of Public Health; Bela Matyas, Solano County Department of Public Health; Glen Miller, Solano County Department of Public Health; Asundep Ntui, Solano County Department of Public Health; Jayleen Richards, Solano County Department of Public Health.

Corresponding author: Leah F. Moriarty, [email protected] , 770-488-7100.

1 CDC COVID-19 Response Team; 2 California Department of Public Health; 3 Solano Public Health, Fairfield, California; 4 Epidemic Intelligence Service, CDC; 5 Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods, Santa Rosa, California.

All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

* Not including river cruises.

† Warning level 3: avoid non-essential travel due to widespread ongoing transmission: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-china .

§ Quarantine was used for persons who were exposed; isolation was used for persons who had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2.

¶ Movement for one person with resolved COVID-19 was not restricted.

** Based on Japanese testing procedures, which at the time included taking one oropharyngeal swab.

†† Travel restrictions were lifted when persons had either completed a 14-day monitoring period without symptoms or had met clinical criteria for release from isolation. https://japan2.usembassy.gov/pdfs/alert-20200227-diamond-princess.pdf .

§§ CDC has the authority to institute a no-sail order to prevent ships from sailing when it is reasonably believed that continuing normal operations might subject newly arriving passengers to disease.

• Cruise Lines International Association. 2019 cruise trends & industry outlook. Washington, DC: Cruise Line International Association; 2019. https://cruising.org/news-and-research/-/media/CLIA/Research/CLIA-2019-State-of-the-Industry.pdf
• Millman AJ, Kornylo Duong K, Lafond K, Green NM, Lippold SA, Jhung MA. Influenza outbreaks among passengers and crew on two cruise ships: a recent account of preparedness and response to an ever-present challenge. J Travel Med 2015;22:306–11. CrossRef PubMed
• World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation reports. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2020. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/
• CDC COVID-19 Response Team. Severe outcomes among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)—United States, February 12–March 16, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020. Epub March 18, 2020. CrossRef
• Cruise Lines International Association. CLIA announces voluntary suspension in U.S. cruise operations. Washington, DC: Cruise Line International Association; 2020. https://cruising.org:443/news-and-research/press-room/2020/march/clia-covid-19-toolkit
• Kakimoto K, Kamiya H, Yamagishi T, Matsui T, Suzuki M, Wakita T. Initial investigation of transmission of COVID-19 among crew members during quarantine of a cruise ship—Yokohama, Japan, February 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:312–3. CrossRef PubMed
• Vonnahme LA, Jungerman MR, Gulati RK, Illig P, Alvarado-Ramy F. Federal travel restrictions for persons with higher-risk exposures to communicable diseases of public health concern. Emerg Infect Dis 2017;23:S108–13. CrossRef PubMed
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. About new coronavirus infections [Japanese]. Tokyo, Japan: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; 2020. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000164708_00001.html
• Mizumoto, K., Kagaya, K., Zarebski, A. and Chowell, G. Estimating the asymptomatic proportion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, Yokohama, Japan, 2020. Eurosurveillance 2020;25. CrossRef
• CDC. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): cases in U.S. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html

Abbreviation: N/A = not applicable.

FIGURE 1 . Cumulative number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases* by date of detection — Diamond Princess cruise ship, Yokohama, Japan, February 3–March 16, 2020

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation reports. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/ .

* Decline in cumulative number of cases on February 13 and February 25 due to correction by WHO for cases that had been counted twice.

FIGURE 2 . Cruise ships with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases requiring public health responses — worldwide, January–March 2020

Suggested citation for this article: Moriarty LF, Plucinski MM, Marston BJ, et al. Public Health Responses to COVID-19 Outbreaks on Cruise Ships — Worldwide, February–March 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:347-352. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6912e3 .

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Cruise passengers kept on board in Hobart due to Tasmanian coronavirus cases

Over 3,000 cruise ship passengers and staff have been barred from disembarking in Hobart, after the captain decided the risk of people becoming infected with coronavirus was too great, with five cases recorded in Tasmania so far.

Key points:

• Passengers and staff have only been allowed to disembark if they do not return, because of the ship operator's concerns about coronavirus being detected in Tasmania
• A number of Tasmanian market events have gone ahead as scheduled, or plan to, but have put extra measures in place
• One stallholder has questioned the wisdom of shutting markets down, "yet we're all allowed to walk around in the street together"

The MSC Magnifica, which arrived from New Zealand this morning, has docked in Hobart.

Cruise company MSC Cruises had taken the decision to stop people disembarking "to ensure [passengers'] health and safety, in response to potential risk of COVID-19", according to a TasPorts spokesperson.

The Mac 2 cruise terminal will be closed today as part of normal procedures.

At a press conference today, Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said the decision followed national advice on border control.

"We obviously act on the advice of the Australian border agency in terms of what occurs nationally, but controls that are set by the Australian Government are the ones we take into account, and also the advice of our own health experts and the Director of Public Health."

"My understanding is there's no outbreak of coronavirus on the ship itself and this is a precautionary measure that the ship [company] has taken."

Roger Preston-Smith, who works on the Magnifica, decided to disembark and not return.

"They are just not letting people off if you are getting back on. They were afraid that they would infect people getting back on," he said.

"I don't think most people knew that."

Mr Preston-Smith said he had "lots of friends in Australia and I just went, 'I'd rather be out here.'"

"I knew some other people were leaving, people are leaving in Sydney a lot, but when I found this out I went, 'Do it while you can.'"

He said he was not fussed about having to forego his income.

"I don't want to be stuck on that ship, it's too stressful. They're just going to go out to sea and who knows how long it will sit there."

An MSC Cruises spokesperson said all passengers were given a consistent message.

"All passengers and crew on board were aware they are free to disembark but given today's circumstances, understand that if they leave will be unable to re-join the ship," the spokesperson said.

Another ship, the Pacific Aria, will not be stopping at Hobart and Port Arthur on March 15 and 16.

The Viking Orion is still expected into Hobart on Sunday morning, but it's not clear whether passengers will be allowed to disembark.

Local small businesses feeling the pain

The Tasmanian branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) commended the Magnifica captain's call to prevent passengers from disembarking.

"These challenging but appropriate measures are the small sacrifices we need to make now for the longer-term good of vulnerable Tasmanians," AMA Tasmania president John Burgess said.

He said the body also supported the state and federal governments' decision to advise against large public gatherings.

A second ship, the Sea Princess, also docked in Hobart — with passengers allowed to disembark as normal.

Taxi driver Paneer Mourty was expecting passengers from the two cruise ships would provide some work for the day. Now, those prospects have been cut in half.

The taxi van he is leasing still needs to be paid for, even if he doesn't get any customers, he said.

"[It is] hard to survive as a cabbie, it's already affected by Uber and everything. This coronavirus is really affecting if we make money."

Wildlife sanctuary operator Greg Irons said he is reliant on the cruise ship business, like many smaller operators.

"We'll have probably about five to eight coaches of people that were due to come in, that now won't be coming in."

He said his business was "certainly not in a position where you charge cancellation fees or anything like that".

"It's no one's fault, in a situation like this."

Markets, Seafest go ahead

Meanwhile, the organisers of a number of events in and around Hobart have said they plan to go ahead with the events — however that could change due to the growing crisis.

Hobart's popular Saturday market at Salamanca has taken place as scheduled, but coming markets will be re-evaluated, organisers said on their Facebook page on Friday.

"We will be holding the Salamanca Market as normal tomorrow … however, following this afternoon's advice from the Prime Minister regarding large public gatherings, we are in communication with the Tasmanian Health Department to determine what our plan will be over the coming weeks," the statement said.

"We will let you know as soon as we know."

Salamanca store holder Amanda Graham said she was confused about what is happening.

"It has to be consistent — why shut this down, yet we're all allowed to walk around in the street together? Things need to be consistent, one thing or the other, not just half and half," Ms Graham said.

"It affects me immensely, this is my income. I completely support myself and now I [would] have no income, so it's actually devastating."

She said she might have to consider going to Centrelink to see what entitlements she would be allowed.

"So it's eating vegetables from my garden and rationing out what I have to survive."

Sunday's Seafest event in Dover, south of Hobart, is going ahead, however people are being advised to observe "a number of measures in place in the lead-up to and during the event to minimise risks".

Seafest organisers said they "advise people not to attend should they be feeling unwell" and "attendees maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between themselves and anyone who is coughing or sneezing".

"There is plenty of space on the grassed areas and on the beach to spread out so bring your picnic chairs and blankets and enjoy the sea view."

Fifth coronavirus case a man in his 60s

Meanwhile, the Government has confirmed that Tasmania's fifth case of coronavirus is a man in his 60s who recently travelled in North America and Canada.

He is in a stable condition and in isolation at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the man became unwell after he arrived in Tasmania.

"Because of the period of time between him arriving in Tasmania and the onset of his symptoms, he was not infectious on his international or domestic flights," she said.

Ms Courtney also said the health system remained ready should the state see more cases.

"There's a range of scenarios that can be worked through at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

"I've been advised that we do have capacity for more cases, we do have capacity around the state for more cases."

The Health Minister indicated the Government would not be fast-tracking the opening of the new K-block if an outbreak occurred.

"We're working very closely, we want to see K-block open, however, it would be completely inappropriate for me or the Government to open a facility against expert advice," she said.

A total of 283 people in the state have been tested as of midday yesterday for the virus.

So far, all five cases of the virus in the state have ben related to overseas travel, rather than transmission within the community.

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More cruise ships are under CDC investigation following COVID-19 outbreaks on board

The Associated Press

Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Horizon cruise ship is shown docked at PortMiami in April. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating more cruise ships due to new COVID-19 cases aboard. Wilfredo Lee/AP hide caption

Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Horizon cruise ship is shown docked at PortMiami in April. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating more cruise ships due to new COVID-19 cases aboard.

MIAMI — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating more cruise ships due to new cases of COVID-19 as the omicron variant drives extremely high infection levels in the industry hub of Florida.

The CDC said 88 vessels are now either under investigation or observation, but it did not specify how many COVID-19 cases have been reported. Four other vessels are also being monitored by the CDC as well.

Florida hit a new record for daily cases on Tuesday with 46,900 new cases in a day. Since Christmas, the state's 7-day average of daily cases has surpassed previous records set during last summer's surge, rising to 29,400 infections.

Coronavirus hospitalizations in the state have also risen from about 1,200 patients two weeks ago to about 3,400 on Wednesday. But that is still less than one-fifth the number of hospitalizations reported in late August due to the delta wave.

Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal is calling for the CDC and cruise lines to again halt cruise travel, six months after the industry mounted its comeback.

"Our warnings have proved sadly prescient and continuously compelling. Time for CDC and cruise lines to protect consumers, again pause — docking their ships," the Connecticut senator posted on Twitter.

Cruise lines have not announced any plans to halt cruising. And the CDC did not say it would adopt any changes, adding it still had plans to allow for the expiration of a set of rules that cruises must follow to sail during the pandemic. The regulation, called a conditional sailing order, is scheduled to expire on Jan. 15 to become a voluntary program.

Coronavirus Updates

Covid-19 outbreaks hit 3 cruise ships as florida breaks record for new cases.

"CDC acknowledges that it is not possible for cruising to be a zero-risk activity," CDC spokesperson Jasmine Reed said in an emailed statement.

Most lines require adult passengers to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Cruise ships are allowed to relax measures such as mask use if at least 95% of passengers and 95% of crew are fully vaccinated.

The federal agency recommends that people avoid cruise travel if they are at increased risk of severe illness, regardless of vaccination status.

None of the ships so far appear to have so many cases that they would overwhelm medical resources on board and require a return to port. But some have been denied entry at some foreign ports.

Several Florida-based ships have reported outbreaks. The Carnival Freedom was denied entry to Aruba and Bonaire after an undisclosed number of passengers and crew aboard caught the virus.

Some cruise ships have not been allowed to disembark in Mexican ports due to cases reported, bringing to memory the early days of the pandemic when cruise lines negotiated docking plans as ships were being turned away by officials worried about the virus's spread.

The Mexican government said Tuesday it would allow cruise ships with reported coronavirus cases to dock. The country's Health Department said passengers or crew who show no symptoms will be allowed to come ashore normally, while those with symptoms or a positive virus test will be quarantined or given medical care.

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Cruise Ship Travel

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance has been updated. The content of this page will be updated soon.

While cruising is a popular way to travel, there are some health concerns to be aware of. Find out more about health issues on cruises and steps you can take to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

If you are feeling sick before your voyage, do not travel and ask your cruise line about rescheduling or reimbursement options. If you feel sick during your voyage, report your symptoms to the ship’s medical center and follow their recommendations.

Common Health Concerns During Cruise Travel and what You Can Do to Prevent Illness

• Respiratory illnesses like influenza , COVID-19 , and the common cold. Get your annual flu shot and get up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines . Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. If you have a weakened immune system , talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer . When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue to prevent spreading germs. Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas.
• Norovirus. Symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, primarily caused by outbreaks of norovirus, have been reported. To prevent norovirus , wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching things that other people have touched, such as stair railings. Avoid touching your face. For more information, visit CDC’s  Vessel Sanitation Program  website.
• Seasickness. Cruise ship passengers may experience seasickness or motion sickness. If you know you get seasick or think you may be likely to get seasick, talk to your healthcare provider about medicine to reduce your symptoms. Some common medications, including some antidepressants, painkillers, and birth control pills, can make seasickness worse.
• Sunburns. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold.
• Bug bites. On your trip, use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes and ticks, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. Many ships visit ports where these diseases are a concern.

Before Your Trip

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make sure you are up to date with all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases  that can spread quickly in groups of people. Outbreaks of chickenpox, influenza, and COVID-19 have been reported on cruise ships.

Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries. Crew members and fellow travelers often board a cruise ship from destinations where some diseases are more common than in the United States or where vaccination is not routine.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Plan for the Unexpected

Prepare for any unexpected issues during your cruise ship travels with the following steps:

Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask ,  insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

Get travel insurance.  Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make sure you have a plan to  get care overseas , in case you need it. Consider buying  additional insurance  that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel .

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel. Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.

More Information

• Cruise Ship Travel in CDC Yellow Book
• Information for Cruise Ship Travelers
• Maritime Guidance

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Nearly 70 Celebrity Cruises guests sick in norovirus outbreak

• Nearly 70 passengers and five crew members got sick in a norovirus outbreak on a Celebrity Cruises ship.
• The ship is currently sailing week-long Alaska voyages between Vancouver and Seward.
• The illness is frequently associated with cruise ships, but those outbreaks account for just 1% of all outbreaks reported, according to the CDC.

Nearly 70 Celebrity Cruises passengers got sick in a norovirus outbreak during a recent cruise.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 68 of Celebrity Summit’s 2,264 guests reported being ill during a cruise that ended on Friday, along with five crew members. Their main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

The ship is currently sailing week-long Alaska voyages between Vancouver and Seward, according to CruiseMapper . In response to the outbreak, the cruise line isolated sick guests and crew and collected samples for testing, among other steps, the health agency said. 

There were an isolated number of cases on board and the impacted guests are no longer on the ship, according to Nathaniel Derrenbacher, a spokesperson for Celebrity’s parent company Royal Caribbean Group. Summit was also sanitized.

The news follows another norovirus outbreak on Celebrity Constellation in January that left nearly 100 guests sick. The CDC has logged seven outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruises that met its threshold for public notification so far this year. Norovirus was listed as the causative agent in all but one.

Cruise ship medical facilities: What happens if you get sick or injured (or bitten by a monkey)

The illness is frequently associated with cruise ships, but those outbreaks account for just 1% of all outbreaks reported, according to the CDC. Dr. Sarah E. Hochman, a hospital epidemiologist and the section chief of infectious diseases at NYU Langone Health’s Tisch Hospital, told USA TODAY in April that those happen in communities on land, too.

“There's not something special or unique about cruise ships,” she said at the time. “It's really any type of congregate setting, but it's also happening out in the community on a much smaller scale among households and household contacts. It just doesn't come to the attention of public health as much as it does for larger congregate settings.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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