Ruby Princess returned to Sydney with coronavirus cases on board

Cruise cut short

Ruby Princess left Sydney March 8 on a 13-night round cruise to New Zealand which was cut short when the federal government announced travel restrictions. She was scheduled to leave Sydney Saturday on a 14-night round cruise to Fiji.

Concern for passengers

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said a very big concern is that passengers came off the ship, not knowing people on board had COVID-19.

Hazzard said officials are now working to contact the nearly 2,700 people who disembarked Thursday.

A statement from Princess Cruises said the passengers with coronavirus had reported flu-like symptoms during the cruise and had been in isolation.

The company said it had made guest contact details available to NSW Health to allow for a quick follow-up.

Call to self-isolate

‘We strongly support NSW Health’s call for all guests who disembarked Ruby Princess to follow to the letter the requirement for 14 days self-isolation and to seek medical advice should they experience flu-like symptoms,’ the statement said.