The  Covid-19 pandemic has forced Cunard to disrupt the Christmas cruise of its flagship Queen Mary 2 and fly US passengers to New York from Barbados, the master of the ship has stated in a letter to passengers.

As a precautionary measure, the ship would have embark additional crew members for essential roles, which would take a few days to accomplish, Captain Andrew Hall said in the letter dated 28 December.

“At the moment our plan is to stay in Barbados until the evening of 2 January but this is yet to be confirmed. Therefore, this extended stay in Barbados means that unfortunately we will no longer be calling in New York on 3 January it we are to maintain our arrival back in Southampton on 10 January,” he said.

As per my broadcast, our focus now is making sure that for those guests due to disembark on 3 January in New York, the onward journey home is as smooth and easy as possible, and we will assist in making these arrangements. We are looking at flight options for you and we will be in contact direct with exact details and confirmation,” Hall said.

British passenger may remain onboard the ship for the voyage across the Atlantic to Southampton, but some services onboard may be amended, Hall said.

Media reports say some passengers had tested positive for Covid-19 on the voyage from Southampton to New York, from where the ship continued to the Caribbean.

Photo: Screenshot of part of Captain Hall's letter to passengers of Queen Mary 2