Royal Caribbean passengers have been caught up in a massive volcano eruption on White Island in New Zealand.
Latest Royal Caribbean Updates on Volcano Eruption
Royal Caribbean cruise guests have been caught up in a deadly volcano eruption on White Island in the north of New Zealand. The volcano erupted on Monday afternoon while guests enjoyed a shore excursion to the island from the Royal Caribbean operated Ovation of the Seas cruise ship.
According to authorities, 47 people were on White Island at the time with more than thirty of them from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Ovation of the Seas was calling in Tauranga at the time which is located on the North Island of New Zealand.
Royal Caribbean released the following statement:
The news from White Island is devastating. The details that are emerging are heartbreaking. We are working to help our guests and the authorities in the aftermath of this tragedy in any way we can.
We are communicating with our guests and their families. We’re making sure they are taken care of in terms of medical help, counseling, accommodations, and transport. Our hearts go out to them, and we want to be as supportive as we can.
Staff from our Sydney and Auckland offices office are already onsite, and we’re going to be offering all our resources while this terrible tragedy sorts out.
We are grateful for the work of all the first responders and medical personnel. We also thank the prime minister and her team, the local authorities and everyone who has reached out to help with their kind thoughts and prayers.
Family members concerned about the status of relatives traveling aboard Ovation of the Seas may inquire by calling the following numbers:
Australia – 1-300-026-240
New Zealand – 0800-002141
USA – 800 829 4050
Germany 0800-180-0885
UK 0-800-014-8339
Mexico 01-800-681-5336
China 400-120-3534
Japan 0800-170-6282
Singapore 65-31582855
This is still developing news and specific details are not known. An emergency has been declared with tourists from Australia, China, UK, the US, Malaysia, and New Zealanders are those among the injured or missing. The Police have confirmed that five people have so far died, eight still missing and another 31 people are currently in receiving medical care in Hospital.
Royal Caribbean Australia stated the following:
During Ovation of the Seas call to Tauranga today, a shore tour was visiting White Island at the time of the volcanic eruption earlier this afternoon. We do not have any additional details to share at this time. Ovation of the Seas will remain in Tauranga overnight until we learn more about the situation. We will offer all possible assistance to our guests and local authorities. Please keep all those affected in your prayers.
Ovation of the Seas is currently on a 12-day cruise which departed Sydney, Australia on December 4. The ship was originally scheduled to depart Tauranga today at around 6:00 PM but will now remain in port overnight.
The cruise line is offering support in any way needed to the rescue effort including medical assistance, transportation, accommodations and more. Phone numbers have also been provided for anyone worried about their family members who are cruising on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
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Ovation of the Seas is scheduled to arrive back in Sydney on December 16. The ship is 167,800 gross tons and the newest Quantum-class vessel with a guest capacity of over 4,100 at double occupancy.
