The cruise giant Aida Nova was stuck in Lisbon for days because at least 52 crew members tested positive for the corona virus. The almost 3000 passengers missed the New Year’s Eve fireworks over the port of Funchal (Madeira) – and the mood on board sank with every hour in the port. The journey has now been declared over.
The Aida Cruises company said on Sunday that those infected had only mild symptoms. “Due to the current situation, however, we cannot continue the trip with Aida Nova to the Canary Islands as planned until January 5, 2022.” The company has therefore already started to organize the journey home for the guests. You should return by plane to Germany, Austria and Switzerland on Monday.
Corona shipwreck in Portugal! The Aida Nova was also anchored in the Portuguese capital on Sunday morning.
Photo: Armando Franca / dpa
“data-zoom-src =” https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/eigentlich-hatten-sich-die-touristen-auf-das-feuerwehr-ueber-funchal-madeira-gefreut–doch-das-sch -e4b1dde41b414181a141669d27c65d1c-78700640 / image / 5.image.jpg “/> The tourists had actually been looking forward to the fireworks over Funchal (Madeira) – but the ship did not leave the port of LisbonPhoto: Armando Franca / dpa
After days of waiting, the nerves were apparently on board. Because of uncertainty, there should also have been arguments. One passenger even reported a dispute over compliance with the corona rules.
He told RTL / ntv: “The mood on the ship is very irritable and passengers argue about wearing a mask or about enough distance. It is no longer a holiday mood, but the urge to avoid contact. ”In addition, RTL / ntv reports that there were heated discussions between guests and crew members. Aida captain Jens Janauscheck asked over the loudspeaker announcement: “Be polite!”
There were more than 4,000 people on board the cruise ship: 1,353 crew members and 2,844 tourists who had been looking forward to a spectacular New Year’s Eve trip. The shipping company Aida Cruises had already announced on Friday that the positive corona cases had been discovered early during routine tests.
Those affected were housed on land in coordination with the authorities in Lisbon. The crew members had only mild symptoms and would receive medical attention. The infected were all housed in hotels in Lisbon, where they should complete the required isolation. So far, there has been no positive case among tourists.
The Portuguese authorities had given the “Aida Nova” permission to sail, regardless of the thinned out crew. However, this was not used.
The company pointed out that all passengers aged 12 and over and the crew had been vaccinated and that both an antigen and a PCR test had to be carried out before starting the journey.
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