Cruise Lines Adopt New SARS Screening Policy

April 28, 2003

Cruise Lines Adopt New SARS Screening Policy
Members of the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) are adopting a uniform set of guidelines for screening passengers who may exhibit signs of SARS.

ICCL’s new guidelines were finalized on Friday and call for the 16 members to have passengers fill out a questionnaire related to their recent travel history. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises are already denying boarding to travelers who have recently visited China, Hong Kong, Singapore or Vietnam. Additionally, a ship physician will screen passengers who have recently passed through Toronto before being allowed to board because the destination is currently being classified as an Area of Increased Screening.

A total of 4,836 cases with 293 deaths have occurred from SARS in 26 countries. This represents an increase of 190 new cases and 19 deaths since Friday.

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