Royal Caribbean’s “Spectrum of the Seas” is docked at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Wednesday in Hong Kong as it was ordered to return to the city for Covid-19 testing, as nine passengers were found to be close contacts of Covid cases. Photo: Li Zhihua/China News Service, VCG

The cruise ship that set sail on Sunday had about 2,500 passengers and over 1,200 crew. Hong Kong is tightening control measures, with 31 of the 38 cases confirmed Wednesday suspected to be Omicron variant. Photo: Li Zhihua/China News Service, VCG

Passengers wait to get their Covid-19 tests on the ship on Wednesday. Photo: VCG

Passengers check out the situation on the shore from the ship on Wednesday. Photo: Li Zhihua/China News Service, VCG

Two passengers talk to each other on Wednesday on the ship while waiting for the test. Photo: Li Zhihua/China News Service, VCG

A girl makes a heart-shaped gesture Wednesday to interact with people on the shore from the ship. Photo: Li Zhihua/China News Service, VCG

A passenger walks past a corridor on the ship on Wednesday. Photo: VCG

Passengers sit on the deck of the ship on Wednesday. Photo: VCG

A worker cleans glass facets of the ship on Wednesday. Photo: VCG

Passengers get off the ship after finishing Covid-19 tests Wednesday in Hong Kong. Nine close contacts were isolated, and later tested negative according to Royal Caribbean. Photo: Li Zhihua/China News Service, VCG

Passengers on the ship could receive a 25% refund on the cruise fare, Royal Caribbean said in a statement. Photo: VCG