Bahamian Officials Prevent From Visiting Their Own Private Island

Officials waited until the ship had arrived to pull the plug.

As a result of a last-minute decision by authorities in the Bahamas, the Captain of the new MSC Seashore had no choice but to disappoint a ship full of guests.

In a letter to the guests the Captain wrote, “Unfortunately, and unlike most ports of call, the government of the Bahamas has decided to force us to cancel our call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve today out of an abundance of caution,” wrote Captain Galano, master of the MSC Seashore in a letter distributed to passengers. “Due to the short notice, we will replace it with an additional day at sea. I apologize for any inconvenience this might cause you and thank you for your understanding.”

The captain reported that “a limited number,” of cases of COVID-19 had been identified among the crew, “as well as a handful of guests who tested positive for COVID-19,” during the five-day cruise from Miami. MSC reports that all of its crew is vaccinated and tested every two days for the virus, while passengers age 12 and older are also required to be vaccinated. All passengers ages two years and up have to test negative before boarding the cruise ship.

The majority were reported to be asymptomatic and “feeling well.” All the passengers and crew that tested positive were isolated and being monitored. The captain in his letter also reminded passengers that they are required to be wearing masks indoors and physical distancing.