Six passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean International’s Adventure of the Seas, which departed from Nassau Saturday, have tested positive for COVID-19, Lyan Sierra-Caro, spokesperson for Royal Caribbean, confirmed to USA TODAY Friday.
The tests came back as part of routine, end-of-cruise testing, which is offered as a courtesy by the cruise line since most passengers need to show proof of a negative test in order to return home. Travelers flying to the U.S. from international destinations are required to show proof of a negative COVID test or proof they recovered from the virus within the past three months.
“These guests were quarantined and then retested with a PCR test to confirm their diagnosis,” Sierra-Caro said. PCR and antigen tests were offered to passengers, depending on their destination. The tests that came back positive were rapid tests, and those passengers were retested Thursday or Friday with a PCR test, which is more reliable.
Not all passengers on board Adventure of the Seas have been notified of the COVID-19 cases on board. Close contacts, have been alerted and have been given a PCR test. Friday, the rest of the ship will be alerted through an announcement from the captain, according to Sierra-Caro.
The ship is currently docked in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, where many passengers have disembarked for activities such as shore excursions. Typically, according to Sierra-Caro, an announcement like this will be made once passengers return to the ship…
