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| SeaDream I Caribbean Cruise Reports COVID-19 Case, Passengers Isolated Onboard |
SeaDream I Caribbean Cruise Faces COVID-19 Case, Passengers Isolated Onboard
SeaDream I, a luxury cruise ship, encountered a COVID-19 case onboard during its first Caribbean sailing since the pandemic halted operations in March. This voyage followed a successful transatlantic journey, with passengers boarding from Oslo, Rotterdam, the U.K., and Madeira, Portugal.
Strict Health Measures Before Boarding
Passengers adhered to stringent COVID-19 protocols before embarking on the cruise. They were required to take a COVID-19 test at home before flying to the island and produce a negative result within 72 hours of travel. Additionally, the ship’s doctor administered a PCR test at the dock before boarding to ensure passenger safety.
Itinerary and Controlled Onshore Excursions
The voyage included stops at St. Vincent, Canouan, Tobago Cays, and Union Island. Onshore excursions were carefully controlled, allowing passengers to enjoy empty beaches and snorkeling in a designated “bubble,” ensuring no contact with local residents.
COVID-19 Case Discovered Mid-Cruise
Currently, there are 53 passengers and 66 crew members onboard, according to freelance writer Sue Bryant, reporting for Cruise Critic. The passengers represent a mix of nationalities, including travelers from Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Among them, 37 Americans boarded in Barbados on Saturday.
Midway through the voyage, as part of Barbados’ health protocols, all passengers underwent another COVID-19 test. One passenger, feeling unwell, requested an additional test, which returned positive. This prompted immediate isolation measures.
Passenger Isolation and Ship’s Response
Passengers have been confined to their cabins, with meals being served through a contactless system. Menus are placed outside the doors, and guests mark their selections before crew members, wearing full protective gear, deliver the meals.
Sue Bryant shared via WhatsApp, “At the moment, we don’t know what to expect. Meals are being served in the cabins, and we should be in Barbados later today. The ship’s doctor is testing everybody as we sail. We are all hoping the test was a false positive, but what will happen when we reach Barbados, or whether we will all have to isolate there, nobody knows.”
What Happens Next?
The ship is en route back to Barbados, where local public health authorities will take over the situation. Passengers will likely undergo further testing, and potential quarantine measures may be implemented based on results.
This is not the first time SeaDream I has faced a COVID-19 scare. During its Norwegian season, the ship was briefly quarantined after a passenger from a prior sailing tested positive. Fortunately, none of the subsequent passengers were infected, and the season in Scandinavia concluded successfully.
Final Thoughts on Cruise Safety
The SeaDream I incident underscores the challenges of resuming cruise operations amid the pandemic. Despite rigorous testing and controlled interactions, the risk of onboard transmission remains. This situation highlights the importance of robust health measures and quick response strategies to ensure passenger and crew safety in the evolving travel landscape.
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