The Majestic Princess cruise ship has docked in Sydney, Australia after 800 of its passengers tested positive for COVID-19.
“All positive cases were mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic, and those guests isolated in their staterooms and then separated from non-impacted guests,” Briana Latter of Princess Cruises told CNN.
Those who did not test positive for the virus were permitted to leave the ship immediately. However, they were advised to spend five days in isolation upon their departure.
“Carnival, the cruise operator has advised NSW Health that all COVID-positive people are isolating and being cared for by the onboard medical team. NSW Health is liaising with the Majestic Princess cruise ship to monitor the health of its passengers and crew members,” New South Wales Health stated.
“Carnival has advised NSW Health that passengers disembarking from the ship have undertaken a rapid antigen test in the 24 hours leading up to disembarkation. Carnival has advised NSW Health that they are assisting passengers with COVID-19 to make safe onward travel arrangements.”
Majestic Princess is far from the first Carnival Cruise Line ship to deal with a COVID-19 breakout. The Ruby Princess, Diamond Princess and Grand Princess have also experienced coronavirus outbreaks.
“The emergence of Covid in the community has meant we have seen a rise in positive cases on the last three voyages,” Carnival Australia President Marguerite Fitzgerald said.
“We take our responsibility to keep everyone safe very seriously. This extends to not only caring for our guests, but also for the wider community in which we operate and visit.”
