Three people aboard the American Constellation cruise ship that visited the Upper Lynn Canal last week tested positive for COVID-19.
Two passengers and one crew member tested positive while in Petersburg late last week shortly after visiting ports of call in Skagway and Haines. All three remain in isolation in Petersburg at this time along with a company representative.
American Cruise Lines, which owns and operates the ship, cut the cruise short and docked the ship in Juneau about halfway through a ten-night cruise. All remaining passengers disembarked, however, the crew remains on board for additional testing.
The passengers that saw their cruise shortened were offered discounts on future sailings or partial money back.
The Petersburg Medical Center released a statement saying the risk of transmission to communities like Haines and Skagway is low. All passengers aboard the ship were fully vaccinated and routinely tested, though the crew member that tested positive was not vaccinated.
The company canceled its next sailing of the American Constellation which was supposed to depart Juneau on July 14 and dock in Skagway on July 18, for an overnight. The ship was then supposed to visit Haines on July 19 for an overnight before heading back south.
Passengers that were booked on that cruise are being offered full refunds by the company.
The American Constellation expects to return to its normal schedule after the pause and return to Skagway on July 25.
