Sture Myrmell, President Carnival Australia said today:
Carnival Australia is participating in high level federal and state discussions with the aim of enabling the repatriation of crew currently on board Ruby Princess on compassionate and humanitarian grounds.
Being able to send home those crew members who are not required for the safe operation of the ship is the right thing to do both from a humanitarian point of view and Australia’s international standing as a maritime nation that looks after foreign nationals in its care.
We are particularly concerned that a humanitarian approach should be taken in relation to the crew on Ruby Princess, which has left NSW territorial waters as demanded by the NSW Government.
However, we remain concerned that it is not safe for the ship to sail away from Australia while there are crew members on board who are ill. While illness on board has been reduced due to strong health management, the ship needs to remain within reach of Australia to access healthcare services if an urgent need arises.
Australia has maritime obligations to protect the welfare of seafarers and as such we need to care for foreign nationals as we would expect other nations to care for Australians in similar circumstances abroad.
Repatriation of Ruby Princess’s crew would be an important step in upholding Australia’s reputation as a caring maritime nation.
SYDNEY, Australia — We are working closely with NSW Health authorities who advised that three guests and a crew member who travelled on Ruby Princess have tested positive for COVID-19.
Please be advised that all four had reported flu-like symptoms during the cruise and, along with their stateroom occupants, were in isolation on board the ship minimising contact with other guests and crew.
We have assisted NSW Health to make contact with all guests who arrived in Sydney yesterday.
We support NSW Health’s call for all guests to follow to the letter the Australian Government’s requirement for 14 days self-isolation and to seek medical advice if they experience flu like symptoms.
If you were onboard Ruby Princess then we ask you to follow NSW Health's request and respond to their email or text message to make direct contact with them.
If, after contacting the NSW Health authorities, you need assistance from Princess Cruises, please call the Guest Assistance Center in your region:
Australia: 1300 551 853
New Zealand: 0800 780 717
USA and Canada: +1-800-774-6237
United Kingdom: 0344 338 8663
Other international guests and other regions: +1 661 284 4902