Holland America Line has deployed Rotterdam to rendezvous with stranded Zaandam since all ports along the ship’s route are closed to cruise liners.

It will provide extra supplies, staff, covid-19 test kits and other support as needed.

Carrying 611 crew and no guests, Rotterdam departed Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, at 3pm local time on 22 March and the current schedule is for the two ships to meet by the evening of 26 March off the coast of Panama.

Thirty guests and 47 crew have now reported to Zaandam’s medical centre with influenza-like illness symptoms.

All guests have been asked to remain in their staterooms since 22 March.

In a statement, the line said the ships are following response protocols that have been developed in coordination with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are currently 1,243 guests and 586 crew on board.

A spokesperson said: “Since it is flu season, and covid-19 testing is not available on board, it is difficult to determine the cause of these elevated cases at this time.

“The safety and well-being of our guests and crew is one of our highest priorities. The ship has activated precautionary measures out of an abundance of caution.”

The measures include:

• All ill persons have been isolated and their close contacts placed in quarantine.
• Guests asked to remain in their staterooms and monitor their health. If they become symptomatic, they are asked to call the medical centre for an evaluation and care from the ship’s medical professionals.
• Effective today (22 March) meal service will be provided by room service until further notice. All public areas are closed.
• The entire ship is operating at maximum sanitation levels, including rigorous cleaning and disinfecting of public and crew areas.
• Crew who are not required for the safe operation of the ship are being quarantined. Those that are needed to maintain the ship’s operation are being asked to self-isolate when not performing essential functions, practice social distancing, self-monitor and report any illness to the Medical Centre.
• Both internet and guest stateroom telephone services remain complimentary so that guests may stay in touch with their families.

Zaandam was sailing a South America voyage that departed Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 7 March and was originally scheduled to end in San Antonio, Chile, on 21 March.

However, Holland America Line made the decision to suspend its global cruise operations for 30 days and end its current cruises as quickly as possible and return guests home.

Despite previous confirmations that guests could disembark in Punta Arenas, Chile, for flights, we were not permitted to do so. No one has been off the ship since March 14 in Punta Arenas.

Zaandam departed Valparaiso on 21 March and is currently sailing north. Its intention is to proceed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for arrival on 30 March, however, it is working on securing a reservation to transit the Panama Canal.  Alternative options are also being developed.

Complimentary telephone counselling services from the line’s care partner, Empathia, have been made available to guests and crew if they would like extra support during this time.

For those with family members on board, they can call the following numbers for information: 1-877-425-2231 or 1-206-626-7398.

To view the latest government advice visit gov.uk.

Our view:

The cruise industry is facing an unprecedented and ever-changing situation, and we are committed to keeping you informed with the most up-to-date news. However, we firmly believe that the cruise industry will bounce back. When it does, we’ll be on hand to help you get back to selling the cruises that people love.