Working Conditions Aboard the Pacific-World

On March 23, 2026, a coordinated medevac operation in Hô Chi Minh City led to the successful evacuation of two critically ill passengers from the cruise ship 'Pacific World', which was on a voyage from Singapore to Keelung. The distress call originated in the early morning when the ship's crew, along with the Viet Long Agency, the ship's representative, alerted Vietnam's Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) about a dire medical situation on board. An 84-year-old Japanese male passenger was found to be suffering from acute respiratory distress and had been diagnosed with severe pneumonia. His health rapidly declined, culminating in acute respiratory failure that necessitated intubation and mechanical ventilation onboard the vessel. In response, the 'SAR 272' rescue vessel, pre-positioned in Hô Chi Minh City, was dispatched promptly, accompanied by a team of emergency medical personnel. At 10:46 a.m., the situation escalated when the captain of the 'Pacific World' reported another emergency involving a 79-year-old Japanese female passenger who was displaying signs of shortness of breath and required immediate medical attention. By approximately 12:20 p.m., the 'SAR 272' reached the cruise ship. Emergency teams swiftly boarded to administer initial medical care to both passengers before transferring them onto the rescue vessel. By 3:20 p.m., both individuals were successfully returned to the dock at the Regional Center III for transfer to a local medical facility, ensuring they received the critical care they required. For more details and photos, please visit the source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/cap-cuu-kip-thoi-2-hanh-khach-tren-tau-du-lich-nuoc-ngoai-post844306.html

On December 23, 2025, the US Coast Guard successfully carried out a medical evacuation for a critically ill passenger aboard the 'Pacific World', located approximately 92 miles off the coast of Kauai. The incident unfolded after the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu received an urgent request for assistance on December 21 at 8:40 PM, concerning an individual who was 886 miles west of Oahu. Following a consultation with the on-duty flight surgeon, the decision to proceed with the medevac was made. Coast Guard watchstanders then maintained communication with the ship's crew to keep tabs on the patient’s condition while the 'Pacific World' changed course towards Oahu. A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, launched from Air Station Barbers Point, reached the scene and hoisted the 61-year-old woman, who was suffering from septic shock, before transporting her securely to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu for further treatment. For additional details, visit: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4367659/coast-guard-medevacs-cruise-ship-passenger-offshore-kauai/

On May 14, 2023, at noon, the Thira Port Authority received an urgent call regarding the health of a 23-year-old crew member aboard the 'Pacific World'. The vessel was anchored in the serene Feron Bay of Thira when the need for immediate medical attention arose. Quick-thinking responders arranged for the injured crew member to be transferred to the 'Mega Star', which promptly set sail for Athinios port in Thira. There, he was quickly transported to the General Hospital of Santorini for necessary treatment. Following the incident, the 'Pacific World' continued its journey toward Piraeus, ensuring that the medical emergency did not disrupt its schedule.

China is on the brink of launching its second domestic cruise operation with the recent acquisition of Carnival Corporation’s Sea Princess. The handover took place in Manila, marking an essential moment in the cruise industry on November 13, 2020. Previously, the Sea Princess had enjoyed a successful run under Princess Cruises and had even briefly sailed for P&O Cruises, mainly serving the Australian market before being docked due to the pandemic's impacts. In a strategic move last September, Princess Cruises announced its decision to divest from both the Sea Princess and her sister ship, the Sun Princess. Following its acquisition, Sanya International Cruise has announced that the Sea Princess will be rebranded as 'Charming'. Meanwhile, the Sun Princess will embark on a new chapter beginning in 2021, as it is set to be operated by the Japanese NGO Peace Boat under the name 'Pacific World'.

The plan to repatriate 225 Filipinos from the cruise ship 'Sun Princess' has hit a snag as local authorities in Manila have yet to authorize entry for the vessel. Currently anchored off the coast of Manila, the ship is awaiting further instructions amidst complications with the necessary permissions to allow disembarkation. The Filipino crew members, eager to return home, are required to undergo a mandatory quarantine period upon arrival in the Philippines. Fortunately, there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 on board the 'Sun Princess'. The situation has raised concerns over the readiness of local authorities to facilitate the safe return of their citizens after significant delays.