Entry refused entry to MSC Seashore MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay in the Bahamas for calling on December 29th. During their 5-day trip from Miami, several crew members and a handful of guests were identified as positive with COVID-19.
In a letter from Captain Galano, guests were informed that the Bahamian government had forced the ship to cancel its call to Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. The Bahamian government call could add further complications for cruise lines dealing with multiple ports of call that have refused entry to cruise lines in recent weeks.
MSC forced to repeal Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Ocean Cay is the private island resort destination for MSC Cruises. The holiday island is 32 km south of Bimini and only 100 km east of Miami. MSC Seashore was en route to the island for the last call on a 5-night cruise from Miami and the second call to the island of that voyage.
Photo credit: Conrad Schutt
Unfortunately for the guests on board, the Bahamian government denied access to the ship due to several confirmed cases among the crew and a handful of passengers.
In a guest letter, the ship’s captain wrote: “During routine surveillance as part of our industry-leading health and safety protocol, we recently identified a limited number of cases on board the crew as well as a handful of guests who tested positive for COVID-19. In accordance with our protocol, we immediately isolated individuals and their close contacts in the designated section of the ship, separate from the place where you conduct all of your activities. “
Also read: 8 Private Cruise Islands You Must Escape To
Although cases onboard are nothing new, and cases have occurred on ships since the U.S. resumed sailing in June 2021, ports of call have recently begun denying entry to several ships. MSC Seashore previously visited Ocean Cay and Nassau, Bahamas, on the same voyage, so a cancellation of the same port of call that the ship called just days earlier will have come as a surprise to many.
Courtesy photo: MSC Cruises
Captain Galano announced the decision of the Bahamian government in the same letter to the guests on board: “As you know, when it comes to responding to the surge in positive COVID-19 cases currently observed around the world, the Caribbean islands are continuously and independently evaluating their own specific policies and procedures in relation to people entering their territory. “
“Unfortunately, unlike most ports of call, the Bahamas government has decided to force us to cancel our call to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve today out of extreme caution. Due to the short-term nature, we will replace this with an additional day at sea. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your understanding. “
MSC Seashore returns to Miami on December 30th; From here she starts on a 9-day trip to Ocho Rios, Cozumel, Costa Maya and MSC Ocean Cay as well as Nassau in the Bahamas.
The Bahamas government decision could be problematic for cruise lines
Several cruise lines were there Entry denied recently to ports in the Caribbean including Odyssey of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Carnival Freedom, and a few more. However, this is the first time a ship has been denied entry to the Bahamas.
Courtesy photo: MSC Cruises
More worryingly, MSC Seashore has been denied entry to its private island resort, Ocean Cay. Almost all cruise lines have private island resorts in the Bahamas. Royal hat Perfect day at CocoCay, Carnival Corporation has Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, and Norwegian has Great Stirrup Cay. Previously it was believed that these private island destinations would remain accessible.
If the private islands are not used as a fallback option, cruise lines have few options for mooring ports of call. It could mean many more days at sea as more and more destinations explore their options to keep Omicron away for as long as possible.
So far, only the Mexican government has made it clear that cruise ships are welcome in any case. On the other hand, other destinations like Puerto Rico have introduced strict pre-entry testing requirements.
Cruise lines have done their utmost to ensure safe and enjoyable journeys for their guests. With testing and vaccination regulations widespread for all guests and strict health and safety measures on board, cruising is still the safest option, with case numbers well below those on land. Hopefully the destinations exploring options will recognize this sooner rather than later and cruises will continue to be welcome.
