Princess Cruises rejected media claims of a double outbreak of Covid-19 and norovirus infections during an Australia cruise on Grand Princess.
Reports suggested two consecutive voyages had dual outbreaks.
The cruise line confirmed guests on the previous sailing, which recently ended in Melbourne, had “symptoms of respiratory illness and acute gastrointestinal illness.”
These guests disembarked before the ship started its current journey.
The ship underwent a full sanitation process before departing Melbourne again.
However, the Grand Princess, now on the second day of a new short cruise, arrived in Adelaide with further cases, according to South Australia Health.
It has since undergone an additional round of disinfection ‘out of an abundance of caution’ the cruise line said.
“On the previous voyage, a number of people reported symptoms of respiratory illness and acute gastrointestinal illness,” Princess said.
“While most guests were unaffected, we proactively launched a comprehensive disinfection programme.”
“There is no current ‘dual outbreak’ of illness on the ship, as is being reported.”
South Australia Health said there were five suspected norovirus cases and eight of likely Covid-19 when it docked in Adelaide.
“SA Health has been informed that the outbreaks have been declared over and the few remaining cases are consistent with numbers you would expect on any cruise,” the health authority said.
