Cruise ship holding in port due to suspected coronavirus

Passengers aboard Costa Cruises ship the Costa Smeralda are stuck on the vessel at the port of Civitavecchia, Italy after one of the passengers on board was suspected of presenting symptoms of coronavirus.

“Last night, our medical team promptly identified a suspected fever case in a 54-year-old woman, just a few hours before the ship’s arrival in Civitavecchia,” the cruise line said in a statement.

• See also: 
  • 5 of the most picturesque locations on Vancouver Island
  • 5 beautiful locations for a day hike on Vancouver Island
  • 10 underrated European gems to discover in 2020

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gossip Travel&Cruise (@gossiptravelandcruise) on Jan 30, 2020 at 1:03pm PST

“As soon as the case was discovered, the required precautionary procedures were immediately taken. The relevant authorities were informed and, on arrival of the ship in the port of Civitavecchia, they carried out all the checks required.”

Costa Cruises explains that it understands the inconvenience that the procedures caused, but that all measures carried out in managing the situation were meant to ensure the safety of all guests and crew as well as the overall community.

“The situation on the ship, which is docked in Civitavecchia, has been under constant control, and the crew have provided the best possible assistance,” the statement continued.

“Costa Cruises have confirmed that Italian health officials diagnosed the passenger onboard Costa Smeralda with the common flu.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by COSTA CROCIERE (@costacrociere_for_life) on Jan 30, 2020 at 12:48pm PST

The ship will skip the port of La Spezia, which was scheduled for Friday, and will remain docked at Civitavecchia until Friday when it will leave at 6 pm for Savona, resuming its regular cruise program.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, some passengers have decided to call it quits and opt-out of the rest of the journey. These passengers are presented with the opportunity to stay onboard overnight while organizing their return home for Friday morning.

However, they are also welcome to disembark at their convenience.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kirill Komarov (@komarovkirill) on Jan 30, 2020 at 11:04am PST

Those meant to board the vessel from Civitavecchia have been ensured by Costa to spend the night in hotels close to the port. They will embark tomorrow instead, along with guests from La Spezia.

The cruise line extended their appreciation for the support they received in the situation.

“Costa Cruises would like to thank health authorities, coast guard and the ministries involved for their great support and organizational effort.”