Cruise Ship Quarantine: A Look at the Current Situation

Increased Cases of COVID-19 on Cruise Ships

On March 23rd, 2020, a report was published by the MMWR Early Release highlighting the growing number of cruise ship passengers being quarantined after testing positive for COVID-19. This trend has raised concerns about the potential for cruise ships to become breeding grounds for the virus.

The Diamond Princess Case

One of the most notable cases of a cruise ship quarantine was that of the British-registered Diamond Princess. In February 2020, the ship was quarantined in Yokohama, Japan, after several passengers tested positive for COVID-19. Over 700 passengers and crew members eventually became infected, making the Diamond Princess one of the largest clusters of the virus outside of China at the time.

The Diamond Princess case highlighted the challenges of managing a COVID-19 outbreak on a cruise ship. The close quarters and shared spaces on these vessels make it difficult to contain the spread of the virus. Additionally, the presence of elderly and immunocompromised passengers on cruise ships increases the risk of severe illness and death.

In response to the Diamond Princess outbreak and other cases, cruise lines have implemented a number of measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 on their ships. These measures include:

• Enhanced screening of passengers and crew before boarding
• Increased cleaning and disinfection of public areas
• Provision of face masks and hand sanitizer for passengers and crew
• Reduced capacity on ships to allow for social distancing

Despite these measures, the risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships remains. As a result, it is important for travelers to carefully consider the risks before booking a cruise. Those who do decide to travel on a cruise should take steps to protect themselves from the virus, such as practicing social distancing, wearing a face mask, and washing their hands frequently.