Tui Cruises has had to isolate 12 members of its crew on board after they tested positive for Covid-19.

The outbreak occurred on the German cruise line’s ship Mein Schiff 6, which is currently sailing around the Greek islands.

The cruise ship is continuing to sail after the members tested positive for coronavirus, as the crew members have all been isolated.

Tui is currently undertaking secondary tests on board the ship, of which six have so far tested negative.

Tests were initially carried out due to the cruise line’s new health and safety protocols, which include regular resting of the crew.

A spokesperson for the line said “there is no reason for guests and crew to worry” and there are “extensive hygiene measures and distance rules on board”.

In a statement, Tui Cruises said: “In the course of the early warning system, which is a key component of Tui Cruises’ health and hygiene concept, the crew is regularly tested for Covid-19.

“On Monday morning we received positive test results from 12 crew members of Mein Schiff 6 from an external laboratory. The entire crew has not become conspicuous in the last 14 days. None of the 12 crew members has any symptoms.

“To rule out the unlikely case of infection, the persons concerned are currently being tested again with our PCR rapid test device on board. These tests are currently being conducted, half of the results already came out to be negative.

“We expect an overall status by tomorrow latest. In addition, we will take further swabs from the crew members and send them to an external laboratory.”

The cruise line revealed that despite the positive results, it will continue on its original itinerary and sail to Piraeus (Athens), a move that was decided in accordance with the Greek authorities.

The statement concluded: “Thanks to the extensive hygiene measures and clearance rules on board, there is no reason for guests and crew to worry.”