The tests were carried out after 12 staff were reported to have tested positive for coronavirus, but showed no symptoms. As a precaution, all were placed in isolation and tested again, with the first six results proving negative.

Tui said that the two extra tests had been carried out and had identified the initial tests to be negative.

The company added that the ship’s “entire crew has not become conspicuous in the last 14 days” and described the incident as a “possible false alarm”.

Mein Schiff 6 was the first cruise ship to dock in Greece since the pandemic, departing Heraklion on Sunday (27 September) carrying 922 guests and 666 crew. 

“As a pure precautionary measure and in accordance with the strict procedures for the resumption of cruise operations, which have been coordinated with the authorities in Greece, the 12 crew members in question as well as 24 crew members of contact group one were immediately isolated onboard on Monday (also the 24 crew members of contact group one were tested by Greek authorities with an antigen test, all results negative). Until the final results are available, they will remain isolated and will be cared for,” said Tui in a statement.
 
“Thanks to the extensive hygiene measures and clearance rules onboard, there is no reason for guests and crew to worry. Since no guests are affected or belong to contact group 1, no tests on guests are necessary. 

“As soon as the Greek authorities give their approval, the cruise will continue as planned. It is also planned to reschedule the shore excursions of guests in Piraeus on Wednesday (30 September) which were scheduled for today (29 September).”