When Was the Last Cruise Ship Disaster?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ships are one of the most popular forms of vacationing. And while they can offer an unforgettable experience, they can also be incredibly dangerous if not managed properly. Unfortunately, the last cruise ship disaster occurred in January 2020 when the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship was quarantined off the coast of Japan due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

The Diamond Princess Cruise Ship departed from Yokohama on 20th January 2020 and was scheduled to arrive in Okinawa on 25th January 2020. However, just two days into its voyage, the Japanese government decided to quarantine it due to an onboard COVID-19 outbreak. It was eventually ordered to dock at Yokohama port where all passengers were tested for the virus and placed under quarantine for 14 days.

The quarantine conditions were extremely restrictive and put a great strain on both passengers and crew members alike. There were reports of cramped quarters and inadequate food and medical supplies being provided by the ship’s owners, Carnival Corporation & plc. This made it difficult for crew members to do their jobs properly and look after the needs of all passengers onboard.

By the time that the quarantine period ended, 712 passengers had tested positive for COVID-19 including 10 who had died from complications related to the virus. This made it one of the biggest clusters of coronavirus cases outside mainland China at that time and highlighted just how dangerous cruise ships can be if not managed properly during a pandemic.

Conclusion: The last cruise ship disaster happened in January 2020 when over 700 people contracted COVID-19 onboard the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship as it was quarantined off Japan’s coast due to an outbreak on board. This highlighted how dangerous cruise ships can be if not managed properly during a pandemic and serves as a stark reminder that we must take greater precautions when travelling by sea.