Sapphire Princess Delays Embarkation for Sanitation
The Sapphire Princess cruise ship is set to embark on a 17-night voyage to Antarctica, starting December 18, 2024. However, the ship’s departure from Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been postponed due to health concerns. The delay comes after reports of gastrointestinal illness among passengers on the ship’s current voyage, which is also a 17-night journey to Antarctica. Although the exact number of affected guests and crew members remains unclear, the cruise line is taking precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of future passengers.
Health Precautions and Delayed Embarkation
Princess Cruises has informed guests about the delay in the embarkation process. In a letter to booked passengers, the cruise line stated, “Please be advised that there will be a slight delay in the embarkation process for your upcoming Sapphire Princess cruise on Wednesday, December 18.” The letter emphasized that crew members would spend additional time disinfecting the ship in Buenos Aires due to reported cases of gastrointestinal illness among guests on the current voyage.
As a result of these health precautions, guests are advised not to arrive at the cruise terminal before 1:30 p.m. on December 18. Staterooms will not be available until later in the afternoon, but all guests must board the ship by 5:30 p.m. local time. The cruise line has also communicated that guests with hotel or transfer arrangements will receive updated pick-up times at their respective locations. Despite the delay, the ship’s itinerary remains unaffected, as the Sapphire Princess is scheduled to depart Buenos Aires at 4 p.m. local time on December 19.
Understanding the Gastrointestinal Illness
While the number of gastrointestinal cases reported on the Sapphire Princess is currently unknown, it is important to clarify that this situation has not been classified as an outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors such incidents through its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). This program tracks outbreaks on cruise ships where 3% or more of passengers or crew report gastrointestinal symptoms. As of now, the Sapphire Princess is not listed among the outbreaks reported in 2024, suggesting that the number of cases is likely low.
The enhanced cleaning measures being implemented are a precautionary step to ensure the safety of future passengers. The ship had previously experienced a norovirus outbreak during its April 5, 2024, voyage, but that incident has since been resolved. It is worth noting that gastrointestinal illnesses can be more prevalent during the cold and flu season, which may contribute to the perception of increased sickness on cruise ships. Recent reports have indicated gastrointestinal outbreaks on other cruise lines, including the Ruby Princess and Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam, highlighting the importance of vigilance in maintaining health standards onboard.
