Royal Caribbean Cruise Postponed After Crew Members Test Positive For Covid-19

The inaugural sailing of the Royal Caribbean ‘Odyssey of the Seas’ cruise has been postponed after 8 vaccinated crew members tested positive for the Coronavirus. According to Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, the eight positives were identified during routine testing. In a statement, Bayley said “all 1,400 crew onboard Odyssey of the Seas were vaccinated on June 4th and will be considered fully vaccinated on June 18. The positive cases were identified after the vaccination was given and before they were fully effective.”  Six of the eight who tested positive didn’t display any symptoms and two had mild symptoms. All eight were quarantined and are being closely monitored by the company’s medical team.

Bayley added “while disappointing, this is the right decision for the health and well-being of our crew and guests. ” The company pushed back the cruise ships disembarkment date from July 3rd to July 31st. Royal Caribbean’s vaccine policy requires all guests 16 years of age and older leaving from U.S. ports to be fully vaccinated excluding ships leaving from Florida. Starting August 1st, all guests 12 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated. Younger travelers who are not eligible for the vaccine will have to show proof of a negative test and must follow protocols.