Three passengers and a crew member on Ruby Princess have tested positive for coronavirus after the cruise ended in Sydney.

A statement from a Princes Cruises spokesperson said: “We are working closely with NSW Health authorities who advised that three guests and a crew member who travelled on Ruby Princess have tested positive for Covid-19.

“Please be advised that all four had reported flu-like symptoms during the cruise and, along with their stateroom occupants, were in isolation on board the ship minimising contact with other guests and crew.

“We have assisted NSW Health to make contact with all guests who arrived in Sydney yesterday.

“We support NSW Health’s call for all guests to follow to the letter the Australian government’s requirement for 14 days’ self-isolation and to seek medical advice if they experience flu-like symptoms.”

An estimated 2,700 passengers were on the cruise.

Ruby Princess is the third Princess Cruises ship to be quarantined due to an outbreak of coronavirus.

Diamond Princess was quarantined off the coast of Yokohama in Japan, while Grand Princess was quarantined off the coast of California.

Earlier this month, Princess Cruises announced that it is temporarily pausing all ship operations for 60 days, due to coronavirus.

The company has paused global operations of its 18 ships for voyages departing from 12 March to 10 May.

For those who are impacted, the line is offering guests the opportunity to transfer 100 per cent of the money paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice.

The company is also adding an additional future cruise credit benefit that can be applied to the cruise fare or onboard expenses.

Our view:

The cruise industry is facing an unprecedented and ever-changing situation, and we are committed to keeping you informed with the most up-to-date news. However, we firmly believe that the cruise industry will bounce back. When it does, we’ll be on hand to help you get back to selling the cruises that people love.