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Cruise ships arrive in Sydney with moderate to low COVID-19 cases

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Celebrity Eclipse sailed from Sydney Friday on an 11-night round cruise to the South Pacific with fully vaccinated passengers and crew
More than 100 of the 2,850 passengers on Celebrity Eclipse had COVID-19 when she docked in Sydney Friday after a return cruise to New Zealand.

The New South Wales government classified the ship as Tier 2, meaning the number of cases have ‘moderate impact to the vessel which can safely maintain critical services.’ 

Other cruise ships

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas and P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure also arrived Friday and were given Tier 1 virus status, meaning there were fewer than 30 cases per 1,000 passengers and no to low impact on the vessel.

Majestic Princess, which arrived Thursday, was designated Tier 2 and Viking Orion, which also arrived Thursday, was designated Tier 1. 

A statement from Celebrity Cruises said less than 4% of the onboard community tested positive for COVID-19.

It said the individuals were fully vaccinated, mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic and were monitored by the ship’s medical team.

Departure as planned

‘Celebrity Eclipse is sailing with fully vaccinated crew and guests and following a robust protocols plan developed with guidance from local authorities and other leading public health experts,’ the statement said.

‘The safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit is always our top priority.’