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Coral Princess hit by COVID outbreak among crew and passengers

Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess has been hit by a COVID-19 outbreak among the crew and some passengers aboard the vessel, which is currently being managed by Queensland authorities as the cruise ship docked in her homeport of Brisbane on Sunday.

Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess has been hit by a COVID-19 outbreak among the crew and some passengers aboard the vessel, which is currently being managed by Queensland authorities as the cruise ship docked in her homeport of Brisbane on Sunday.

Princess Cruises has offered refunds to passengers booked on the Coral Princess’s next 12-day trip and said they were “doing everything possible” to ensure the safety of guests and crew.

“We are adhering to comprehensive protocols that were agreed in conjunction with federal and state authorities and we are confident that they are working effectively,” a Princess Cruises spokesperson said.

Protocols include regular testing of all crew, who must be fully vaccinated. 

“Should any crew member test positive, they go into isolation on board and have no contact with guests,” Princess Cruises said.

“We recently advised embarking guests that in the most recent full screening of crew some had returned positive tests and that this was being managed effectively in line with our protocols.

“As guests look forward to their cruise holidays, we want them to be confident in knowing that everything possible is being done to ensure they do so in an environment that is as safe as it can be.”

Coral Princess BNE2
Coral Princess in Brisbane in June 2022.

The Princess Cruises COVID-19 outbreak comes as the state’s third wave nears 41,000 active cases.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says protocols were in place on the ship before the outbreak.

She said some passengers are isolating at home or in other accommodation, while authorities are helping the company manage infected staff on board.

“The virus is everywhere and there’s no escaping that,” Ms D’Ath said.

Via AAP