An over-50s only cruise ship travelling from the UK to the Caribbean has been forced to turn around in the Atlantic Ocean because of positive Covid-19 cases on board.
The Spirit of Adventure set sail from England on 22 February, but has now been forced to turn back because the strict Covid-19 entry rules at the Caribbean destination.
The trip had been called ‘A Caribbean Spring’ and was to take 35-days visiting the Azores, Antigua, Anguilla, Tortola, Port Royal, Grand Turk, Bermuda, and then back to the UK via another stay in the Azores.
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However, the number of positive cases on board have meant that they only made it as far as the first stop in the Portuguese-controlled islands.
The Spirit of Adventure can take on board nearly 1,000 passengers, with more than 500 crew also on board.
It is described on the Saga Cruises website as a ‘luxury cruise experience’ and a ‘boutique ship’.
Saga operates cruises exclusively for the over-50s.
The website explains: “On board this ship, the levels of service are second to none, with a guest-to-crew ratio of 2:1, so there is always someone on hand.
“And with all gratuities included in the price, every guest receives the same high levels of service.”
The ship’s first sailing was rescheduled because of Covid-19, and eventually took place in 2021.
A spokesperson for Saga told LADbible: “Sadly, we have been unable to continue with our current cruise to the Caribbean.
“While the limited number of guests with Covid are asymptomatic or have only very mild symptoms, the strict entry requirements in the Caribbean meant we took the difficult decision to return to the UK.
“All guests are being given a full refund.
“We want to thank all our guests, who have been very understanding of the decision we have taken and appreciative of the levels of service we have maintained, thanks to the hard work of our crew.
“The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority and we value the long-term relationship we have with them.
“We, like everyone else in the cruise industry, are learning to live with Covid and we look forward to welcoming our guests back on another cruise in the near future."
On board the Spirit of Adventure, there are a number of restaurants that are included in the price, as well as several theatres and lounges for music, and outdoor bars, swimming pools and dining areas.
Topics: UK News, Travel, World News, Coronavirus
Tom Wood