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A COVID-19 outbreak among crew has forced Cunard to cancel its much anticipated July sailings this year.
At least five Cunard voyages around the British Isles on Queen Elizabeth will no longer sail as planned. It is the result of a small number of crew returning positive tests for COVID-19.
The first of these voyages on Queen Elizabeth was to mark Cunard’s return to cruising. It was due to set sail from Southampton, England on 19 July 2021. These ‘Summer at Sea’ staycation sailings were sold to U.K. guests only.
The company said the positive COVID-19 cases forced them to reduce overall crew numbers. This meant they could not complete essential preparations for the resumption of cruising.
“This has meant that we are not able to complete the final essential preparations or deliver the comprehensive training schedule to the full required contingent of crew prior to the first scheduled sailing.”
Statement from Cunard Line.
Cunard tell us they have successfully contained the situation with the assistance of Southampton Port Health. In addition they have limited the number of new crew now joining the ship.
As a result of Cunard being forced to cancel the July departures, the next voyages from Southampton will now take place on 13 August 2021. At the time of publication, there was no statement from the company about the future of Queen Elizabeth’s international operations. These operations are due to recommence from October.
Visit the Cunard website for more information.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
