Where Is the Ruby Princess Cruise Ship Now?

By Anna Duncan

The Ruby Princess cruise ship, a popular floating hotel and resort, has had a turbulent and dramatic journey in 2020. After departing from Sydney Harbour on March 8, 2020 with over 2,600 passengers and 1,000 crew members on board, the Ruby Princess soon found itself at the center of an international scandal.

The cruise ship was originally scheduled to make several stops in various ports around Australia before heading off to New Zealand for its final destination. However, just two days after departing from Sydney Harbour, the ship was forced to return after more than 200 passengers began reporting flu-like symptoms.

The passengers were tested for COVID-19 and it was determined that there were many people on board who had been infected with the virus. These results sparked an international investigation into how the Ruby Princess was able to leave port despite having several sick passengers onboard.

The subsequent investigation revealed that health officials had failed to adequately assess the condition of the passengers before allowing them to disembark. This caused a huge uproar in Australia and New Zealand as both countries grappled with the implications of allowing a cruise ship with potential COVID-19 cases onboard to travel freely between their ports.

Consequences

The consequences of this incident were severe for both countries involved. In Australia alone, over 700 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been linked back to the Ruby Princess and nine deaths have been attributed to it as well.

In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a strict 14-day quarantine policy for all travelers coming from abroad due to this incident. This policy has since become one of the most effective strategies used by countries around the world in combating the spread of COVID-19.

Where is it Now?

After being investigated by both Australian and New Zealand authorities, the Ruby Princess was eventually allowed to return back to its homeport in Sydney on April 13th 2020. Since then, it has remained docked in Sydney Harbour while its future remains uncertain.

For now, it seems unlikely that the Ruby Princess will be making any more voyages anytime soon due to its tarnished reputation throughout both Australia and New Zealand.

Conclusion

< p >In conclusion, The Ruby Princess cruise ship is currently docked in Sydney Harbour with its future uncertain following an international scandal involving multiple COVID-19 cases on board during its voyage earlier this year. It is unlikely that this vessel will be making any more voyages anytime soon given its tarnished reputation throughout both countries.