COVID-19 sees first cruise visit cancelled

Thursday 12 March 2020

The first cruise ship scheduled to visit Guernsey this year has been cancelled, as coronavirus fears continue to grow.

The Fridtj of Nansen was due to visit the island on 20 March.

But following advice from Guernsey's Public Health Services and discussions with stakeholders, it was decided the visit should be cancelled as a precautionary measure.

"We really value the contribution that each and every cruise ship makes by bringing visitors to our island," said Ports General Manager, Colin Le Ray. "They are an important part of our tourist economy.

Pictured: Colin Le Ray.

"We are taking great care in making decisions that may have an impact on local businesses, however whilst we are seeking advice on the handling of cruise ships from the appropriate agencies, we considered it sensible to cancel this first scheduled visit. We hope the community understand why we've made this decision and we want to thank them again for their support."

The next cruise ship is not scheduled until 9 April.

No other visits are being cancelled at this stage, but the situation is being kept under continuous review.

As of Thursday 12 March there was one confirmed case of coronavirus in Guernsey, and two in Jersey. A number of people are awaiting test results across the Channel Islands. 

More information and advice from Guernsey's health authorities on COVID-19 is available here.

Pictured top: Some of the island's previous cruise ship visitors.