The first cruise to set sail to the Caribbean, the SeaDream, has a number of passengers on board who have tested positive for COVID-19, according to CNN.
Twin Mega Yachts SeaDream I and SeaDeamII
The voyage was the first to return to the Caribbean. It was supposed to showcase how new protocols would be introduced to mitigate the risk of an outbreak.
These measures included an increase in safety protocols and regular testing on board. The success of this was supposed to pave the way for other cruise ships to resume operations.
A passenger became ill on on Wednesday [November 11]. The ship then had to return to Barbados and all 53 passengers and 66 crew were tested.
Passengers that tested negative twice, would be able to disembark and return home.
In a statement, SeaDream Yacht Club said: ‘SeaDream I has paused its current Caribbean voyage and returned to Barbados after guests’ tests for Covid-19 returned assumptive positive results.
‘Immediately after performing the preliminary rapid Covid test onboard and receiving the assumptive positive results, SeaDream advised local health authorities and set in motion its Covid response protocols to protect guests and crew. The ship’s medical staff has tested all crew members and all tests have come back negative. SeaDream is currently re-testing all guests.
‘Every crew member is certified for the WHO’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for novel coronavirus course and Covid-19 Contact tracing course from Johns Hopkins University. SeaDream is familiar with responding rapidly thanks to the crew’s professionalism and preparedness. SeaDream operated successfully earlier this year in Norway, completing 21 voyages during the summer season as the first luxury line to resume sailing.’
SeaDream’s Andreas Brynestad said: ‘After completing a successful summer season in Norway, we implemented even stricter health and safety protocols for our Barbados winter season. All guests were tested twice prior to embarkation and we are in the process of re-testing guests. We are working closely with local health and government authorities to resolve this situation in the best possible way. Our main priority is the health and safety of our crew, guests, and the communities we visit.’
Cruise companies have been allowed to set sail from the US since November 1, under a new Conditional Sailing Order issued by the White House.
The US cruise industry has been under a ‘no sail’ order since March 2020.
Picture: SeaDream Yacht Club
