Passengers from a Crystal Cruises' ship that docked in Bermuda remained on the island after testing COVID-positive.
According to Bermuda's Ministry of Transport spokeswoman, 5 people on Crystal Symphony had been infected and stayed at a hotel with their close contacts. She explained the passengers had tested positive when the vessel was on her way to the island during the crossing from NYC New York to Bermuda (King’s Wharf/Royal Naval Dockyard).
However, a company representative added that another passenger had received a positive result after further testing.
“On arrival in Bermuda and following Ministry of Health guidance and protocol, the ship was quarantined while the crew and guests were tested again.”
Samples had been "collected by pilot boat and brought to shore then taken to the Government’s Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory."
The ship, which arrived in Bermuda on Sunday, September 26, remained in quarantine until the results were known.
The guests who had not tested positive "resumed scheduled tours and on-island activities” after the Ministry of Health’s clearance.
All crew members and passengers on Crystal Symphony had been fully vaccinated.
“All guests have a pre-departure PCR test taken as part of the Bermuda Travel Authorisation process and only negative PCR test result passengers may board the ship following a negative antigen test result conducted in the terminal by Crystal Cruises before embarkation in New York City.”
The Bermuda health authorities granted permission for all close contacts and their traveling partners to return to the vessel on September 28.
Some guests opted to fly home and Crystal made arrangements with the US Consulate for repatriation.
The ship is heading to NYC, where she is due to arrive on Friday, October 1.
For other Crystal Symphony accidents and incidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.