Last Symphony of the Seas cruise had 48 COVID cases

The number may be an eye-catcher but that represents just 0.78% of the 6,091 passengers and crew on board the Dec. 11 sailing.

Identified after contact tracing

Royal Caribbean said the cases were identified as a result of immediate contact tracing after a passenger tested positive. The number includes four people who were identified at the end of the voyage.

The cruise sailed with 95% of the on-board community fully vaccinated and 98% of those who tested positive were fully vaccinated.

Asymptomatic or mild symptoms

Those with COVID were quickly quarantined, according to Royal Caribbean, and their health was continuously monitored. All were reported to have asymptomatic or had mild symptoms.

Six of the passengers were disembarked early in the cruise, at St. Maarten, and were transported home. The additional passengers received assistance upon Symphony's return to Miami on Saturday.

Future itineraries are not impacted. Symphony turned around as planned and is currently en route to Cozumel.

95% vaccinated population

To sail aboard Symphony, travelers 12 and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and test negative before boarding. Children not yet vaccinated must provide a negative PCR test prior to sailing and also test negative at the terminal prior to boarding.

All crew are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and tested weekly.

New masking mandate for all

This past week Royal Caribbean updated its policy for sailings from Florida to require masks indoors for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, except while eating or drinking. This includes venues reserved for vaccinated travelers only.

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