UPDATE:
The ship will now have a delayed departure, here is our latest post.
PREVIOUSLY:
Passengers aboard the Anthem of the Seas cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean are being tested for the Coronavirus.
Anthem of the Seas Passengers Being Tested
The Anthem of the Seas cruise ship which is currently docked at the Cape Liberty cruise port in Bayonne, New Jersey is dealing with a possible Coronavirus outbreak. According to multiple reports and from onboard the large vessel ambulances have arrived to welcome the ship when it returned to its homeport this morning (February 7).
According to NBC News, 27 passengers are being screened of the deadly virus and four have been taken to hospitals. The guests who were taken to hospitals were Chinese nationals and at least two of them were taken off on stretchers.
Royal Caribbean has stated on Twitter “Like airlines, we are participating in elevated levels of guest screening to check the spread of coronavirus. We are closely monitoring developments regarding coronavirus and have rigorous medical protocols in place onboard our ships.”
The cruise line went on to state “We continue to work in close consultation with the CDC, the WHO, and local health authorities to align with their guidance and ensure the health and wellbeing of our guests and crew.”
The Quantum-class cruise ship just completed an 11-day southern Caribbean voyage that departed Bayonne on January 27 including calls at San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Kitts.
Coronavirus Coverage:
- Princess Cruise Ship Has 41 New Coronavirus Infections
- Confirmed Coronavirus Infections on Quarantined Cruise Ship Increases to 20
- Quarantined Cruise Ship Cancels Next Sailing as Guests Tested for Coronavirus
- Princess Cruises Announces Restrictions and Amended Sailings
- Iconic Cruise Ship Cancels Visits to Hong Kong Due to Coronavirus
- Carnival Cruise Line Announces New Restrictions Due to Coronavirus
The vessel is scheduled to depart later today on am 8-day voyage to the Bahamas however Royal Caribbean has said the ship will undergo extra sanitation and authorities may even decide to delay the ship if the Coronavirus is confirmed. Guest who are booked on the February 7 cruise it is essential to keep in touch with the cruise line for official updates.
Also Read: 9 Reasons to Cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas is 167,800 gross tons and has a guest capacity of over 4,100 at double occupancy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Coronavirus which started from Wuhan in China has infected 31,420 around the world and killed 638.
