The COVID crisis forced Cunard Line to disrupt the Christmas voyage of RMS Queen Mary 2 and fly all Americans to NYC New York from Bridgetown Barbados, the liner's Captain stated in a letter to the passengers.
As a precautionary measure, the ship would have embarked additional crew for essential roles, which would take a few days to accomplish, Captain Andrew Hall said in the letter dated December 28.
“At the moment our plan is to stay in Barbados until the evening of 2 January but this is yet to be confirmed. Therefore, this extended stay in Barbados means that unfortunately we will no longer be calling in New York on 3 January it we are to maintain our arrival back in Southampton on 10 January.
As per my broadcast, our focus now is making sure that for those guests due to disembark on 3 January in New York, the onward journey home is as smooth and easy as possible, and we will assist in making these arrangements. We are looking at flight options for you and we will be in contact direct with exact details and confirmation."
He said British passengers might remain on the ship for the Transatlantic crossing back to the UK (Southampton), but some services onboard might be amended.
Media reports said some passengers had tested COVID-positive on the voyage from Southampton to NYC (Manhattan Terminal), from where the boat continued to the Caribbean. Cunard reported 10 Coronavirus cases as QM2 arrived in NYC on December 20.
For more Queen Mary 2 incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.