SeaDream Yacht Club has averted a potential COVID-19 crisis after one of its passengers tested positive for the virus upon arrival in Denmark.
The Norwegian-based cruise line was informed earlier this week that a Danish guest had been diagnosed with COVID-19 after a routine check on arrival in the country.
The guest has been on board SeaDream I and travelled home to Denmark from Tromsø on 2 August. The travelling companion whom the person lives with tested negative.
SeaDream said in a statement issued on 4 August that it had spoken with the guest that day, who apparently showed no symptoms of COVID-19 during the voyage.
Following the advice of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the Norwegian Directorate of Health, the cruise line said it placed guests and crew on board SeaDream I in quarantine, except for essential crew members needed to operate the yacht.
SeadDream also suspended the sailing and the yacht made its way to Bodø to follow the guidelines of Norway’s health authorities.
However, the cruise line delivered the great news on 5 August that all guests and crew members on board SeaDream I have tested negative for COVID-19.
“SeaDream attributes the good news to the professionalism of the crew and the comprehensive infection control measures that the company has taken since early March,” the company said in a statement.
“SeaDream has gone above and beyond government guidelines to protect the safety of the crew, guests, and communities visited by the yachts.”
According to the cruise line’s most recent press statement, 86 crew members were tested. However, it’s unclear how many passengers were sailing on SeaDream I.
SeaDream said the asymptomatic guest will, according to the procedures in Denmark, be tested again on Sunday.
The outcome is welcome news for the cruise industry, with Hurtigruten and Paul Gaugin Cruises having recently suffered COVID-19 cases following their return to the water.
Featured image source: iStock/sefa ozel
