The first cruise liner in 2½ years to disembark passengers in Wellington at New Zealand had active Covid-19 aboard. The 2016 built 348 metre liner OVATION OF THE SEAS became the first cruise ship back into Wellington after 953 days on Tuesday 25th October, 2022 which has not been following current Covid isolation guidelines and active cases were reported.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Te Whatu Ora says Royal Caribbean (RCCL) , the owner of the ship sought clarification of the rules on Wednesday 26th October, 2022. In a statement issued by RCCL saying positive cases on board, numbering more than 130, would isolate in their cabin for five days, and only on days six and seven if they were still symptomatic.
The MOH said from now on, the vessel, which docked in Picton would be following the country’s mandatory seven-day isolation rule. The cruise liner carries almost 5000 passengers and 1300 crew, and all guests over age 12 were required to be fully vaccinated. “Positive cases on board are required to isolate in their cabin for 5 days and if still symptomatic on days six and seven,” the statement read.
Ships were normally happy to comply with whatever the rules were at their place of arrival, and this advice came from the Ministry of Health straight to the cruise company.
All Images of OVATION OF THE SEAS goes back to 9th January, 2017 whilst berthed at Sydney, Australia
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Published – Saturday 5th November, 2022