A passenger on board Quantum of the Seas has tested positive for COVID-19, cutting short the ship’s ‘cruise to nowhere’ by one day.

The passenger, an 83-year-old Singaporean citizen, reported to the ships medical centre with diarrhoea and was tested for COVID-19 as a precaution and tested positive.

Singapore’s Ministry of Health said in a statement the man tested negative for the virus before boarding the ship and has returned negative tests since his positive result.

Royal Caribbean Internastional said all guests and crew who had come in close contact with the man were immediately traced, isolated and tested, all returning a negative result.

The ship returned to port on 6 December and the line said it will compensate guests for the missed day at sea.

In October, Royal Caribbean International announced it would be launching three- and four-night Ocean Getaways around Singapore’s Marina Bay for Singaporean citizens from 3 December with no destination.

The ‘cruises to nowhere’ aimed to keep customers engaged with cruise product by giving a taste of the cruise experience without the danger of international travel.

The cruises were celebrated by the line as part of its healthy return to sailing which took months of planning and collaboration with government authorities.

“The health and safety of our guests and crew are of utmost importance to us, and we have made the decision to cancel the 4-night cruise departing tomorrow, 10 December,” Royal Caribbean International said in a statement.

“Under the guidance of the Singapore government, we have created a thorough set of protocols designed to mitigate risk, including PCR and antigen testing of all guests and crew before boarding.

“Being able to identify this single case and act on it immediately demonstrates the system is working as it is designed to.”

Featured image source: iStock/bee32