The Caribbean cruise port at St. Lucia has denied the German-based AIDAperla cruise ship due to health reasons.
Large Cruise Ship Denied due to Health Measures
The AIDAperla cruise ship was denied to dock in St. Lucia today after many passengers on the large vessel were experiencing upper respiratory tract infections. According to the Department of Health & Wellness, the reasons were not due to the Coronavirus outbreak which is spreading across China and the world at the moment and was in fact due to another sickness which a high number of guests were suffering from.
The vessel which is operated by German-based Aida Cruises was scheduled to call to the Castries cruise port on the eastern Caribbean island at around 8:00 AM and to depart at 6:00 PM. Instead the vessel had sea day and will head towards the next scheduled port of call at Roseau, Dominica with arrival on February 2at 8:00 AM.
Related: 20 Top Things to Do in St. Lucia While on a Cruise
The cruise line has not released any details into the sick passengers but let’s hope they recover well. The ship does have a medical center onboard with doctors and nurses and is fully prepared for these situations. Cruise Lines have procedures in place as the well known Norovirus is always known to hit ships with so many passengers being together closely for a number of days.
AIDAperla is currently sailing a 14-day voyage that departed Bridgetown, Barbados on January 30. The day before the ship called at Saint Vincent Island. She is over 124,000 gross tons and was delivered to Aida Cruises in 2017, The ship is one of the most advanced in the fleet with a guest capacity of over 3,200 at double occupancy with 12 restaurants, 18 bars & clubs, 6 pools, and 8 lounges.
Even though the island of St. Lucia didn’t deny the vessel due to the Coronavirus it is fully prepared if that would be the case. The island is working with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the private sector-led Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), as well as the public sector Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to make sure all health aspects are prepared for the virus and medical personal know what to do.
Also Read: Carnival Cruise Line Announces New Restrictions Due to Coronavirus
Cruise Lines are also increasing health measures and in the last few days, cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, MSC, and Princess Cruises are implementing restrictions to those who have traveled to China.
