The Coral Princess cruise ship docked at Port Miami, after it was refused to dock in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The vessel has 1,000 passengers and 878 crew onboard – two are dead and at least 12 have tested positive for COVID-19.
Specifically, Princess Cruises stated that guest disembarkation began on April 4 and continues over the weekend – limited to those departing on chartered flights arranged by Princess Cruises to California, Australia and the U.K.
The vessel was waiting near Puerto Rico, outside U.S. waters, for permission to dock. She had been at sea for nearly two weeks after departing Buenos Aires where only South American passengers were allowed to disembark.
All the passengers are being screened as advised by the CDC before disembarkation of the vessel. During disembarkation, and until they reach their homes, they are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing measures.
In the meantime, the ones having respiratory symptoms or those still recovering, will remain on board until medically cleared by the ship’s doctors.
The Cruise Liner also stated that
Overnight, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) communicated changes to their policy regarding post-disembarkation travel for cruise passengers, recommending no travel via commercial flights nor shared transportation with non-cruise guests.
The company added that although they are working tirelessly for the repatriation of all passengers, the plan has to meet the new CDC requirements, meaning that it may lead to additional delays in disembarkation.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe impact it has on the cruise industry, Princess Cruises announced the halt of operations for two months (60 days) impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10.
