Crew Center received a message from Azamara Onward crew member who wishes to remain anonymous. The message sheds light on the situation onboard following a recent outbreak of gastrointestinal (GI) illness. While health and safety remain a top priority for all seafarers, the crew member voices frustration describing it as an unjustified and demoralizing decision: a full ban on crew going ashore during a tender port visit.

This is the letter we received from the crew member:

Concern Regarding Unjustified Crew Restrictions on Azamara Onward

We would like to report a very poorly managed situation onboard Azamara Onward. Recently, there has been an outbreak of gastrointestinal (GI) cases, with a total of six guests currently isolated.

While we fully understand and respect the need to follow appropriate health protocols — and we acknowledge the unwavering dedication of the Azamara crew to comply — we are facing an unjustified and unfair restriction: crew members have been prohibited from going ashore during an entire day at a tender port, allegedly due to the risk of contagion.

The reality is that there are numerous reasonable and effective ways to handle such a situation without resorting to such an authoritarian and archaic measure. For example:

• Designating specific tender windows for crew only.
• Ensuring proper sanitation of tenders between trips.
• Requiring crew to wear masks and gloves when going ashore.

This situation is demoralizing and unacceptable. We urge that this matter be heard and addressed, and we call on crew members to stand together and voice their concerns.

Please help us share this information. Thank you.

The crew member also shared an email sent from the office