Diamond Princess

PRINCESS Cruises has confirmed Diamond Princess is en route to Malaysia, after being docked in Japan since early Feb, when it was among the first epicentres for the COVID-19 outbreak. Efforts by Japanese authorities to contain the infection included quarantining the 3,700 passengers and crew for two weeks, but ultimately 712 of those on board - about 20% - tested positive to COVID-19, and 13 died. Diamond has been in Yokohama until now, with crew replacing all mattresses, linen and room ornaments as part of a sanitation and refurbishment project. About 170 employees are currently on board the ship bound for Port Dickson in Malaysia, to finalise crew repatriation efforts and remain until operations begin, according to a Princess spokesperson. Currently Diamond Princess departures are suspended through until early Oct.