Carnival Cruise Medical Matter Caused Authorities to Suspend Debarkation in Long Beach

Carnival Panorama had a medical matter Saturday morning with a passenger that caused authorities to suspend debarkation in Long Beach.

Witnesses reported the passenger was taken from the ship in respiratory suit and put in an ambulance. Passengers reported to LBLN that they have been at the dock and not allowed to leave for over 3 hours.

Update: 10:57am

A Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson Vance Gulliksen said “There is a medical matter with a Carnival Panorama guest that caused authorities to suspend debarkation. The guest in question does not meet CDC criteria for Coronavirus risk, but officials still have questions.  Our shoreside medical team is in direct contact with authorities and we hope to debark shortly. “

Update 1:10pm

We’ve advised our guests currently on Carnival Panorama that their debarkation will be delayed until at least 6pm PST related to a medical situation with one of our debarking  guests.  While we cannot discuss their specific condition, they are a U.S. citizen who has not traveled internationally, and does not meet the CDC criteria that puts them in an at risk category for coronavirus.  Nevertheless, based on an evaluation at a local hospital, medical authorities want to administer a COVID-19 test out of an abundance of caution.  We will not be cleared for debarkation until those results are back and it confirms a negative test.  While they are expediting the test process, it could take most of the afternoon.  Our senior management and shoreside medical team remain in direct contact with the authorities.

We are also advising our arriving guests about this delay and are making arrangements for them to have lunch and be comfortable.  Guests who have not yet arrived are being advised to sign up for our text alert notification system.  We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience. 

This is a developing story, we will have more information when available.