Royal Caribbean passenger becomes second Queenslander to die of COVID-19

Royal Caribbean passenger becomes second Queenslander to die of COVID-19

A passenger who disembarked a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in Sydney last week has died of COVID-19.

Garry Kirstenfeldt, a 68-year-old man from Toowoomba, died in hospital on Wednesday afternoon, a week after he and his wife were allowed to travel home to Queensland after disembarking the ship.

The Daily Mail reported the ship the man disembarked from was Voyager of the Seas.

Queensland Health said in a statement the man had a serious underlying medical condition before contracting the virus.

Kirstenfeldt was the second Queenslander to die of COVID-19 after a 77-year-old Sunshine Coast woman with an underlying medical condition passed away in Sydney.

His family remain in isolation as close contacts.

This comes after a woman in her 70s who was allowed to disembark Ruby Princess in Sydney last week died of COVID-19.

At least 133 passengers who were onboard Ruby Princess have since tested positive and are considering legal action.

The death brings Australia’s total death toll from the virus to 11, with 2,423 cases confirmed.

Travel Weekly has contacted Royal Caribbean for more information.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]