Royal Caribbean cancels CNY holiday cruises after crew members test positive for Covid-19

The cruise operator said that the affected crew members made up less than 0.6 per cent of the onboard community on its Jan. 27 Quantum of the Seas sailing.

Andrew Koay | January 30, 2022, 04:49 PM

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Two Quantum of the Sea cruises set to depart over the Chinese New Year holidays have been cancelled due to an outbreak of Covid-19 among the crew operating a previous trip.

According to a statement from Royal Caribbean International — which operates Quantum of the Seas — the number of crew members who tested positive for Covid-19 made up less than 0.6 per cent of the onboard community on the Jan. 27 sailing.

Because of this sailings that were scheduled for Jan. 31 and Feb. 3 have been curtailed.

The infections were detected through routine testing conducted by the cruise line and immediately isolated upon receiving positive results. Close contacts were also quarantined and tested, the cruise operator said.

Those found to be infected were all fully vaccinated and were either asymptomatic or experienced mild symptoms.

Royal Caribbean said that the ship would be subjected to disinfection and deep cleaning, as per its safety protocols.

"Prudent decision" based on global Covid-19 situation

"We regret having to cancel our guests’ long-awaited vacations and appreciate their loyalty and understanding," it wrote.

"We’re making a prudent decision based on the ongoing Covid-19 circumstances around the world."

On a Facebook post about the cancellation by Singapore Cruise Society, one commenter wrote that she was currently on board the Jan. 27 sailing.

"Everything going smoothly onboard and despite less staffs, business is as usual and the crews seem to be in high spirit," she wrote.

"Although reading this piece of news over breakfast is a bit shocking."

Guests scheduled to sail on Jan. 31 will receive a full refund plus a 100 per cent Future Cruise Credit, while those booked on the Feb. 3 sailing will receive a full refund or a 125% Future Cruise Credit.

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Top image from Royal Caribbean International's Facebook page