The COVID-19 crisis has caused devastation for many people, but those stuck on board the MS Zaandam are becoming understandably concerned as four people die from coronavirus on the ship.
According to The Independent, around 1,243 passengers and 586 are currently on board the Holland America Line ship, however, the trip was supposed to come to an end seven days ago. The reason the ship did not dock in time, is because ports in South America began refusing the ship to dock and allow passengers to get off the vessel because the pandemic has been identified on the ship. Over 200 British people are still on board the vessel.
Although only two people have tested positive for coronavirus on the ship, The Independent states that over ‘140 people on board are suffering from flu-like symptoms.’ Four people have died making ports reluctant to let passengers disembark. The cruise line has been allowed to send another cruise ship by the name MS Rotterdam to rescue passengers who are not showing symptoms of coronavirus. No passengers however, have been permitted to go ashore since The Holland Line cruise ship left Punta Arenas almost three weeks ago.
In other news, the Coral Princess is another Princess Cruise ship that has been denied port in Brazil. According to The Independent, essential supplies may be bought to the ship after the Coral Princess calls the island’s capital Bridgetown on Tuesday 31st March 2020. More than 400 British travellers are currently on board the ship being held as Princess Cruises states,
‘No guests or crew will be permitted to disembark during this time.’
At present, the Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) have stated: ‘We are doing all we can to help British people on board the Coral Princess cruise ship. Our staff are in close contact with the cruise operator and the authorities in the region to ensure British people can get home safely.’
Passengers should keep up to date with the latest advice regarding COVID-19. Those with a suitable cruise extension may receive compensation from their travel insurance provider, for cabin confinement, missed ports and excursions, however cover levels will differ from insurer to insurer, so we advise passengers to read their policy wordings carefully to see if they will be entitled to cover.
