Florida authorities have officially confirmed that Holland America's two stranded cruise ships, the MS Zaandam and Rotterdam, can dock at Port Everglades.
The arrival at Port Everglades marks the beginning of the end of a grueling journey for both ships. According to a statement from Holland America, 250 guests and crew members — 90 guests on the Zaandam and 17 guests on the Rotterdam, as well as 143 crew members on the Zaandam — have fallen ill with influenza-like symptoms since March 22. Four passengers have died, and nine people have tested positive for COVID-19.
"The majority will leave on charter flights," the statement said. "Local Florida residents will return home immediately via private car." The Port Everglades Unified Command — the body that approved of Carnival's repatriation plan — is made up of representatives of the United States Coast Guard, the Broward County Sheriff's Office, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Florida Department of Health, US Customs and Border Patrol, port pilots, and other officials. The task force was responsible for working with Holland America's parent company, Carnival Corp.
"These travelers 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 Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "We are so happy to be able to get our guests home and assist those few who need additional medical services.
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