During the final days of 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that citizens should avoid cruise ship travel, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC's proclamation was reportedly a surprise to cruise ship operators but followed infections aboard several ships that were being monitored by the government.
The CDC is not alone is flagging cruise ships as an issue in spreading COVID-19 and its variants. Anvisa, the Brazilian national healthcare agency, recommended that cruising should be avoided following shipboard coronavirus outbreaks. Anvisa's advisory announcement followed the agency's decision to suspend operations of M/V COSTA DIADEMA in the Port of Salvador over the New Year holiday. The ship was ordered back to Santos after 68 passengers tested positive for COVID-19.
Harkening back to the very first days of the pandemic, passengers were quarantined aboard M/V AIDAnova for five days in Lisbon. The ship was carrying 2,844 passengers and 1,353 crewmembers when it docked in Portugal last week. The cruise stopped short of its destination in Madeira when 52 crew tested positive for coronavirus. The infected grew to 68 within a few days. Passengers are being permitted to disembark following a negative COVID test.
While cruise ship operators are in a rush to return to busy itineraries, it remains an uncertain time for cruise ship crewmembers and vessel passengers. Ship owners should exercise care to prevent maritime workers and guests from suffering debilitating injuries and illnesses aboard their vessels. If you or a family member suffered complications due to coronavirus aboard a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation. Crewmembers are often entitled to seaman status under the Jones Act and general maritime law. Mariners may also have a claim for negligence or unseaworthiness.
Mariner Law, PLLC is a maritime law firm that can help injured and ill cruise ship crewmembers and passengers with claims nationwide. Licensed in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, New York, and Connecticut, the firm exclusively represents injured mariners. Call (253) 600-2531 and ask for a free consultation with a maritime injury lawyer.
Sources: Maritime Executive, gCaptain, NY Times