The disembarkation of the coronavirus-hit Grand Princess ship in Oakland, California, is expected to begin Monday during a “multiple day process,” according to cruise operator Princess Cruises.
There are 21 people – 19 crew members and two passengers – who have been infected by the virus.
The ship, which has been stuck about 10 miles off California’s northern coast, is expected to dock in Oakland later Monday, though the official timing has yet to be determined, the company said in a news release.
“Disembarkation will commence in order of priority, as defined and directed by both state and local authorities. It is expected to be a multiple day process,” it said.
“Once disembarkation of the guests is completed, the crew will remain onboard and Grand Princess will depart from San Francisco bay. Plans for a crew quarantine are still being determined.”
The company added that one guest was disembarked Sunday “for medical reasons” unrelated to the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Princess Cruises said it also has completed the delivery of more than 400 prescription medications to passengers, “prioritizing the most urgently required.”
About 1,000 California residents among the passengers will go into mandatory quarantine at Travis Air Force Base and Miramar Naval Air Station, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
The Grand Princess was sailing around Hawaii last week when its previous voyage was linked to a “cluster” of coronavirus cases, resulting in at least one former passenger’s death in northern California.



