Disney has notified all 1,980 passengers and crew members on The Disney Wonder, which pulled into the Port of San Diego March 19, that a “handful” of guests and crew members have tested positive for COVID-19.
The ship left New Orleans on March 6 for a 14-night Panama Canal Cruise.
“During the voyage, no guests or crew members reported COVID-19 symptoms,” says a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson. “We have been in regular contact with the CDC and are following their guidance and have notified all guests and crew members. Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this situation.”
It wasn’t until after docking, Disney says, that “a handful” of passengers alerted the cruise line that they had begun feeling ill after returning home. Those people have since tested positive for Coronavirus. Two crew members have also tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently being treated in a San Diego hospital.
Some crew members have remained onboard the ship since it arrived in San Diego. And any crew member that feels ill is in isolation; their close contacts in quarantine as well.
Other crew members who showed no sign of sickness have disembarked and returned to their homes where they were told to self-quarantined for 14 days.
Disney said it had enhanced screening of guests and crew members prior to boarding, denying boarding to guests who had traveled in countries on the CDC travel alerts list and temperature checking passengers before embarking. Crew members also got daily temperature checks and sanitation was “elevated,” including the removal of self-service options.
All new Disney cruise departures have now been delayed through at least April 28, Disney said Monday.
Let’s Hear From You
Would you feel comfortable taking a cruise as early as May of this year? What are your thoughts on reports of rapid virus spread on cruise ships in general? How long will it be before you and your family are ready to sail the open seas again?
Admin Note: We may have additional updates to this story and will make those additions when available.
Update: 3/30/20 4pm – The news item above has been updated with confirmation that the two crew members who tested positive are in a local hospital seeking treatment.