Both Zaandam and Rotterdam have been given permission to dock in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Holland America Line has confirmed.

It has been confirmed that four people, including one British man, have died on Zaandam.

A total of 107 passengers – 90 on Zaandam and 17 on Rotterdam – and 143 crew on Zaandam have presented with influenza-like symptoms since 22 March.

Zaandam was carrying 442 passengers and 603 crew, including 311 Americans citizens. There were 808 passenger and 583 crew on Rotterdam.

There have been several failed attempts made to disembark Zaandam guests at various ports including Chile since 15 March.

Following arrival in Port Everglades, guests will be health screened and also cleared for entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Disembarkation is expected to be completed by tomorrow evening (Saturday 4 April), with priority given today to those who need immediate care at local health system partners who have approved their arrival.

Fit-to-travel guests will transfer straight from ship onto buses for transfer directly to the airport for their flights home. The majority will leave on charter flights. Local Florida residents will return home immediately via private car.

Guests have not left the ship since 14 March and have self-isolated in their staterooms since 22 March. Guests who still have symptoms will remain on board and disembark at a later date to be finalised after they have fully recovered and have met the CDC guidelines for being fit to travel.

They will continue to be cared for by the ships’ onboard medical staff.  No crew from either ship will disembark in Fort Lauderdale.

The cruise line has extended its “sincere gratitude” to President Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Port Everglades Unified Command, Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry and all governmental and embassy authorities who helped to resolve this “humanitarian plight” – along with a special thank you to Broward County Mayor Dale Holness for his “leadership, help and understanding”.

“These travellers could have been any one of us or our families, unexpectedly caught in the middle of this unprecedented closure of global borders that happened in a matter of days and without warning,” said president of Holland America Line, Orlando Ashford.

“We are so happy to be able to get our guests home and assist those few who need additional medical services. The covid-19 situation is one of the most urgent tests of our shared humanity, and we must do everything we can to ensure we continue to act in ways consistent with our common human dignity.

“Our guests on board both ships have been truly incredible, and we extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to all of them.

“Their cooperation, support and understanding throughout this entire experience helped us best protect the health of all on board and ensured our shipboard teams could focus on caring for everyone and getting them home.”

Ashford continued: “I would also like to extend my sincerest thanks to the amazing officers and crews of Zaandam and Rotterdam.

“They are heroes who rose to the challenge of taking care of our guests and each other under extraordinary circumstances. All of us at Holland America Line are so very proud of our colleagues for their exemplary leadership and service.”

Due to global health concerns, Holland America Line made the decision to suspend its global cruise operations for 30 days and end its current cruises in progress as quickly as possible.

For the latest coronavirus travel updates, visit gov.uk.