St. Lucia denied entry to a cruise last weekend due to health concerns after the coronavirus outbreak. Namely, on February 1st, AIDA Cruises ship AIDAperla was not allowed to dock at the island’s capital, Castries.
Commenting on the situation, an AIDA Cruises spokesperson noted that the ship was denied entry as some of the passengers had upper respiratory tract infections on board.
Some of the passengers on the cruise ship, which was carrying 4,384 guests and 20 crew members, are currently receiving treatment for the common flu or cold.
Under this fear of the coronavirus, the cruise ship industry is taking measures for protection. More specifically:
- Royal Caribbean: Spectrum of the Seas, Costa Atlantica, Costa Venezia, and MSC Splendida have cancelled their departures from the International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan District;
- Costa Cruises: Suspension of all operations from China until February 4. Operations at other major Chinese ports have also been halted;
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Introduction of non-touch temperature screenings for all passengers embarking from Chinese ports. Guest with a body temperature screening of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or higher will not be allowed to board and will be directed to seek local medical treatment. What is more, guests travelling from Wuhan, China or who have been in the city in the last 30 days will be denied boarding;
- Royal Caribbean Cruises Asia Pacific: Will not permit passengers who visited Wuhan including those who are from the region to board their ships;
- Princess Cruises in Asia: No plans to change their itineraries and if necessary they will introduce pre-boarding disease reporting for passengers arriving from affected areas;
- Crystal Cruises: Closely monitoring developments related to the coronavirus, including recommendations from the World Health Organization.
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Commenting on the outbreak, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said that cruise lines are capable of minimizing the risk of coronavirus infection, due to their strict health procedures.
In addition, major cruise lines are collaborating with port and health authorities to enhance passenger screening procedures.
For those who are already on a cruise, the CDC warns passengers should avoid contact with ill people and wash hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, they should use an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol.
