In an eerie echo of 2020’s Ruby Princess outbreak, a cruise ship has docked in Sydney with more than 100 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
However, according to passengers, it’s been smooth sailing so far.
Coral Princess, a sister ship to Ruby Princess, departed from Eden yesterday and arrived in Circular Quay this morning with more than 2,300 people on board, 118 of whom are currently in isolation after returning positive COVID-19 results.
The outbreak is made up mostly of crew members, and just four of those currently infected on board are passengers, according to ABC News.
NSW Health said the passengers likely became infected with the virus before boarding Coral Princess.
On Tuesday, the Guardian reported that 24 COVID-infected passengers disembarked the ship in Queensland, with one passenger complaining that staff seemed relaxed about controlling the outbreak and that an open buffet was offered on the ship.
Liz Bolton, who departed the ship this morning with her husband Clive, told ABC News the health measures in place had been smooth and made her feel “really safe”.
“It’s not as bad as people are making it out. We are loving it,” she said.
Princess Cruises said in a statement that passengers received a warm welcome from the Eden community where businesses have been looking forward to the return of cruising to add impetus to the recovery of its tourism economy.
The line said it anticipated the ship’s visit to Sydney will be similarly successful.
“We have worked collaboratively with NSW health authorities on arrangements and have agreed that any guests going ashore will again first need to obtain a negative RAT result,” Princess Cruises said.
“As previously stated, covid cases are overwhelmingly among crew rather than guests.
“Crew members were identified as a result of protocols which include regular surveillance with full crew screening.
“The crew members who tested positive are in isolation and are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. They have no contact with guests.”
Under the protocols that have supported the resumption of cruising in Australia since May, all crew are now required to be fully vaccinated.
Coral Princess is homeported in Brisbane and departed on Sunday on a five-night cruise to Eden and Sydney.
In 2020, Ruby Princess made headlines when 663 passengers and crew tested positive after disembarking in Sydney, 28 of whom have died.
It has been reported that 1 in 8 cases of COVID-19 in NSW were linked with the ship at the time.
