Royal Caribbean Singapore flight turns back after passengers test positive for Covid-19

Royal Caribbean confirmed to CNN that one of the passengers on board had tested positive for the virus after checking in with one of the ship’s medical staff.

Upon confirming the positive test, Quantum of the Seas informed Singaporean officials of the news and returned to the port. Guests will not be permitted to disembark until full contact tracing procedures are implemented.

“We have worked closely with the government to develop a comprehensive system that tests and monitors all guests and crew and follows public health best practices,” said a Royal Caribbean representative. “Our ability to quickly identify this individual case and take immediate action is a sign that the system is working as it was designed to do.”

“The well-being and safety of our local community, as well as passengers and crew, remains our top priority. All passengers undergo a mandatory Covid-19 test prior to boarding, with strict hygiene and safety measures in place throughout the passenger’s journey,” he added.

The ship was operating at 50% capacity. All passengers had to show evidence of a negative Covid-19 test in order to get on board and wear masks at all times when outside their rooms. Only Singaporean citizens were allowed to purchase cruise tickets, and crew members from around the world spent 14 days in quarantine in the city-state in order to obtain a permit to operate.

As an additional measure of hygiene, Royal Caribbean said, fresh air was circulated regularly throughout the ship.