FLU, GASTROINTERITIS-LACED ENCHANTED PRINCESS DENIED ENTRY AT GRAND TURK CRUISE PORT
- NewslineTCI
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
A Report from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government on Thursday, said it has denied entry to Enchanted Princess Cruise Ship due to a conducted public health risk assessment.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services has announced that the Enchanted Princess cruise ship has been denied entry into the Grand Turk Cruise Port following a public health risk assessment conducted under the International Health Regulations (2005). This vessel was due to dock in Grand Turk today, 22nd May 2025.
The government explained that the decision follows the review of the Maritime Health Declaration (MDH) submitted at 4:12 PM on 21st May 2025, which reported 50 cases of illness onboard, including Acute Respiratory Illness, including Influenza and Acute Gastroenteritis, with 12 individuals noted as released from isolation.
Given the highly transmissible nature of the reported illnesses, the Ministry of Health determined that the risk to the local population remained significant—due to the unrestricted movement of cruise passengers in public areas such as restaurants, beaches, retail outlets and across the island.
The Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles, stated that:
“The health and safety of our residents and visitors remain our top priority. While we welcome cruise tourism and appreciate our partners in the industry, we must act decisively when public health is at risk. This decision was made following a careful risk assessment and is in line with Articles 31 and 43 of the International Health Regulations (2005), which allow countries to implement additional health measures in response to credible threats.”
The statement said such action reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health while upholding national and international health responsibilities. The Ministry said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and evidence-based response.