If you test positive for COVID-19 whilst on board, you and your close contacts will be asked to isolate for your well-being and the well-being of other guests. Each cruise line has got health and safety protocols in place to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission on board and a fully equipped 24/7 Medical Centre onboard with highly qualified medical staff, who are fully trained for Covid-19 treatment. You will be moved to a dedicated cabin and medical experts will be on hand to take care of you as you cope with the symptoms of Covid-19. This will be for either the duration of the required isolation, until the next port of call, or until the scheduled port of disembarkation.
Any instances of positive tests on board are managed by on-board medical teams in conjunction with local port authorities to determine the best course of action. The framework of protocols for cruise ships can differ slightly from those on land or to other forms of travel. Some ports may require guests and their close contacts who have tested positive to disembark their ship and continue their period of isolation ashore in that country.
If you’re required to disembark the ship, the cruise line will work with the local authorities to secure the most appropriate accommodation for your period of isolation. In most instances, these will be pre-determined hotels that have been identified as ones able to accommodate positive cases of COVID-19. The cruise line's support team will help you to contact your travel insurance provider. We will of course get you home as quickly and as safely as we can but please take note that we will need to act on the advice of the cruise line and local port authorities. This could be a lengthy process and you may be onboard for significantly longer than your planned sailing dates.
Please ensure you purchase adequate Covid-19 insurance cover before you travel.