Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — A cruise ship in Saudi Arabia has returned to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) port after a suspected COVID-19 coronavirus case was detected onboard, the Red Sea Cruise Company confirmed on Saturday.

The “Silver Spirit” cruise ship initially set sail on Thursday from King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) port carrying passengers on the Kingdom’s first recreational cruises.

On Saturday morning, the Silver Spirit cruise ship management informed all passengers of the existence of a suspected coronavirus case asking all passengers to stay in their rooms.

“The case was isolated in the wings designated for those who show signs of the virus,” the company said.

“The ship was supposed to end its voyage on Sunday morning, but the cruise has returned to King Abdullah Economic City on Saturday, to ensure the safety of all passengers.

The ship’s capacity was kept during its voyage to 75 percent to ensure social distancing between those on board.

Simultaneously, extensive COVID-19 testing was carried out before any passengers could board the ship, according to the ship’s management, who worked with the Ministry of Health.