Covid-hit ship turned away from Caribbean islands

A Covid-hit Royal Caribbean cruise ship was denied access to two Caribbean islands.

Odyssey of the Seas was banned from docking at Curacao and Aruba, due to dozens of positive Covid cases.

There are at least 55 positive cases.

"The day before yesterday, 18 crew members were positive, yesterday 36 and this morning there were 51. In addition, several crew members have not been quarantined, so there is a good chance that passengers have also been infected," said Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth, Curacao’s chief epidemiologist said Wednesday.

"With these numbers of infections, the percentage has been exceeded and we are therefore not eager to receive these people on the island, especially not with the current figures on the island."

Royal Caribbean claims ‘the decision was made together with the islands’ not to dock.

"In an abundance of caution for the well-being of our guests and crew, adjustments have been made to Odyssey of the Seas’ schedule of shows and activities on board," it said.

In just a few days, two Royal Caribbean ships have recorded more than 100 positive cases following 48 guests infected on Symphony of the Seas.