Holland America President Makes Statement on Zaandam Situation

Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford issued a statement broadcast on in-stateroom televisions aboard the Zaandam and Rotterdam.

The company has been moving guests, supplies and crew between the ships. 

Ashford played down rumours of the concept of a "healthy ship and a sick ship" and said the intention is for the ships to stick together with guests isolated. 

He said moving people between the ships is to create the maximum flexibility and comfort; for example, moving guests with inside staterooms from the Zaandam to better rooms on the Rotterdam. 

In a separate statement, the company said it was aware reported permission for both the Zaandam and Rotterdam to transit the Panama Canal in the near future.

"We greatly appreciate this consideration in the humanitarian interest of our guests and crew. This remains a dynamic situation, and we continue to work with the Panamanian authorities to finalize details," the company said.

Meanwhile, Port Everglades issued the following statement: "Should Holland America receive approval to transit the Panama Canal, it would take about three days for the ship to reach South Florida. Holland American must then submit a plan prior to arrival that addresses a long list of Unified Command requirements for entry into a Port."

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A CRUISE ship with 6,000 passengers carrying two suspected coronavirus patients have banned guests from disembarking at an Italian port, as fears surrounding catching diseases while travelling are on the rise. What are the best ways travellers can protect themselves against outbreaks?

 This fear has further heightened after news broke that two suspected patients from Hong Kong are being held in isolation in the on-board hospital of the Costa Smeralda in Civitavecchia, Italy.

The ship, which contains around 6,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members have been told to stay on board amid concerns of the outbreak.

In a statement, Costa Cruises said: “Costa Cruises confirms the sanitary the protocol has been activated for a guest on-board of Costa Smeralda.

“The guest, a 54 years old lady of Chinese nationality, is currently put on isolation on the onboard hospital since last night together with her travel mate, in line with health protocols.

“As soon as the a suspected case was detected, the Medical Team on board immediately activated all the relevant health procedures to promptly isolate and manage the clinical condition.

 

“The Health Authority has been immediately notified and is now on board to conduct all the pertinent measures. It is our utmost priority to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew.”

They added that the company is at “complete disposal” of the Health Authority and their indication will be strictly applied.

“Costa Cruises continue to apply the relevant national policies and epidemic developments, as per World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indications.”

Other major cruise lines cancelled cruises as the virus spreads, including Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.