Malta Welcomes Cruise Passengers After Stomach Bug Outbreak
French Cruise Ship’s Stomach Bug Woes: Malta’s Ports Reopen
Sliema’s bustling Ferry Terminal was a hive of activity this morning, but the usual chatter was replaced with a sense of relief. The French cruise ship, Le Lyrial, was finally allowed to disembark its passengers after a week-long lockdown, following a stomach bug outbreak.
The ship, operated by French cruise line Ponant, had been anchored off Malta’s shores since last Tuesday, with over 200 passengers and crew affected by the virus. But yesterday, French health authorities declared the outbreak under control, paving the way for the ship’s return to normal operations.
From Lockdown to Disembarkation
Malta’s Health Authorities, working closely with their French counterparts, had been monitoring the situation on board Le Lyrial. With the number of new cases dropping significantly, the lockdown was lifted, and passengers were finally allowed to disembark yesterday evening.
Dr. Charmaine Gauci, Malta’s Superintendent of Public Health, addressed the media at the Sliema Ferry Terminal. “We’ve been in constant communication with the French authorities,” she said. “With the situation now under control, we’re confident in allowing the passengers to disembark and continue their journeys.”
Impact on Malta’s Tourism Industry
The cruise ship industry is a significant contributor to Malta’s tourism sector. According to the Malta Tourism Authority, cruise passengers contributed over €50 million to Malta’s economy in 2019. The lockdown of Le Lyrial had raised concerns about the potential impact on the industry.
However, the swift response from both Maltese and French authorities has been praised by local tourism stakeholders. “We’re relieved that the situation has been resolved quickly,” said Mr. Paul Bugeja, Director of the Malta Cruise Tourism Association. “This sends a strong message to cruise lines that Malta is a safe and reliable destination.”
As Le Lyrial‘s passengers disembarked, they were greeted by the familiar sight of Sliema’s bustling streets. The incident, while disruptive, has served as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and swift action in ensuring the safety and well-being of all visitors to Malta.
