LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Royal Caribbean International 8-day cruise that departed last week on Saturday, Dec. 18, is headed back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida after two destinations were nixed due 55 people onboard testing positive for COVID-19.
Bob Sokoler, a Louisville resident on the ship, shared with Spectrum News 1 his concerns about some COVID-19 safety protocols not being followed by staff and passengers.
“After doing routine testing, we have determined that 52 crew members have tested positive. Separately, we have three guests who have tested positive,” was announced through one of the loud speaker is on Royal Caribbean International’s newest cruise ship, Odyssey of the Seas.
Sokoler is a retired TV news reporter and anchor and current real estate agent. He shared the video he took with Spectrum News 1.
“So, I’ve got mixed emotions. Great vacation, great ship, but inside I’m scared for myself, for my girlfriend, and for all of the people on here,” he said.
All vaccinated passengers are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken no more than two days before boarding day. While unvaccinated children age 2 to 11 must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than three days before boarding day.
Sokoler said he and his girlfriend took a PCR test in Louisville and then flew to Florida for their trip.
The first destination, Royal Caribbean International’s private island CocoCay, went as planned. However, Sokoler explained, after that stop the cruise went back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to drop off some passengers. Sokoler said that passengers onboard were told it was due to a “medical emergency.“
However, Sokoler learned through a published news report that a person who had COVID-19 symptoms while onboard tested positive for the coronavirus. That passenger and their close contacts disembarked the ship, according to the news report.
Then, Odyssey of the Seas sailed back out to the other two destinations, Curaçao and Aruba. However, passengers never disembarked in those destinations.
An emailed statement to Spectrum News 1 from Royal Caribbean International read, “The decision was made together with the islands out of an abundance of caution due to the current trend of COVID-19 cases in the destinations’ communities as well as crew and guests testing positive on board — 55 crew members and guests, representing 1.1% of the onboard community.”
The statement also said 95% of those onboard when the ship sailed are fully vaccinated.
“All of whom tested positive are fully vaccinated and mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic. We continue to monitor their health. Close contacts were also identified and placed in quarantine to be monitored for 24 hours prior to testing,” the statement read.
A company policy posted online states all guests age 12 and older have to be fully vaccinated, and show proof, to be a guest on ships departing the United States, San Juan, and Puerto Rico. In addition, the final dose of the vaccine must be administered 14 days in advance.
For children age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated, Royal Caribbean International states online they may present proof of full vaccination and follow the protocols for vaccinated guests. While those under 12 and not vaccinated are required to complete additional COVID-19 testing, depending on their trip duration and departure port location.
However, while Royal Caribbean International states it strongly recommends fully vaccinated guests receive a booster dose when eligible, it is currently not required.
Sokoler told Spectrum News 1 about concerns he’s had with COVID-19 protocols not being followed onboard prior to learning 55 people onboard are positive for COVID-19.
He shared some videos he took with Spectrum News 1, including a sign posted outside the ship’s fitness center that states everyone must wear a mask. In the video, one can see a few people working out with their masks covering their chin, not they mouths.
In another video, Sokoler comments on what he sees during a yoga class, “Take a look at this lady who is heading up the yoga class; only one guy in the entire class was wearing a mask, even the instructor was not wearing a mask.”
Online, the company lists all of its updated health protocols and travel requirements, which states, “Due to the latest public health evaluation, masks are required for all guests, regardless of vaccination status, at all times indoors except while eating or drinking. This includes at venues reserved for vaccinated guests only.”
While Sokoler does have concerns about Royal Caribbean International’s protocols, he also doesn’t think the issues are all of the cruise ship company’s responsibility.
“The passengers are supposed to limit themselves to six people to an elevator now with [COVID-19], but they don’t,” Sokoler explained.
Sokoler said the positive COVID-19 cases on his cruise are a good example of why stricter guidelines are needed.
“Please CDC, do not, I’m pleading with you do not stop cruising, just tighten guidelines and make sure that the companies around the world that are following CDC guidelines enforce them heavily.”
He also said passengers need to take more responsibility, as well.
According to the latest CDC published data, Royal Caribbean International's Odyssey of the Seas color status is yellow, meaning reported cases of COVID-19 have met the threshold for CDC investigation.
Last Saturday, a different Royal Caribbean International cruise ship docked in Miami after 48 passengers and crew members tested positive for COVID-19.
Spectrum News 1 reached out to Royal Caribbean International’s on Thursday, asking for an interview or a statement regarding the company’s response to concerns brought up by Sokoler in his videos. However, Spectrum News 1 has not heard back. This story will be updated if a response is given.