The Royal Caribbean cruise ship Odyssey of the Seas returned to port to disembark a COVID-positive passenger. The ship already sailed for a day departing from Fort Lauderdale.
The Odyssey of the Seas sailed on Saturday for its eight-night trip from Florida. According to Lyan Sierra-Caro, the spokesperson for Royal Caribbean, “The guest who was symptomatic prior to boarding but did not notify us, reported to the medical center and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19”. Sierra-Caro added that “He and his close contacts were quarantined and disembarked in Ft. Lauderdale to return home”.
The passenger along with his family disembarked, however, there were “no additional close contacts” according to Sierra-Caro.
After disembarking the COVID-positive passenger, the Odyssey of the Seas resumed its itinerary. Sierra-Carro said that the Odyssey of the Seas decided to return since it was the fastest choice for the ship at that time.
The Odyssey of the Seas is now under yellow status according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC is also aware of the recent COVID-positive case aboard the ship.
In a report by USA Today, a passenger aboard the ship said that the captain announced that they’d return to Fort Lauderdale as the ship was departing Royal Caribbean’s private island called Perfect Day at CocoCay. The passengers, during that time, didn’t know that someone tested positive for COVID19. However, the ship announced that the move wouldn’t delay the ship’s itinerary.
Aside from returning briefly to Fort Lauderdale, the passenger also said that Royal Caribbean canceled the performances of “Showgirl! Past, Present, and Future” on Monday. The passenger said that others onboard thought that the cancelations involved COVID19.
Sierra-Caro didn’t comment on the cancellation of the show on Monday.
Royal Caribbean requires COVID-19 vaccination on passengers 12 years old and above. The cruise line also requires pre-departure testing for its passengers.
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