Panama Canal Lets a Virus‑Bleeding Cruise Pass Through
Imagine being stranded on a ship, swamped with feverish passengers, and having to rely on a continent‑wide waterway to get to safety. That’s the reality for the Zaandam, a 1,800‑person vessel that’s been stuck in the Pacific since March 14, after a wave of flu‑like symptoms broke out.
The Big Gameplan
- First, the healthy folks were moved to the Rotterdam—a sister ship that came in from San Diego with medical staff, testing kits and fresh food.
- Then, the Panama Canal Authority flipped the switch. Yesterday, they finally allowed the Zaandam to glide from the Pacific into the Caribbean side—by “humanitarian reasons”, they say.
Florida Turns Their Back on the Cruise
Fort Lauderdale’s mayor, Dean Trantalis, was very clear: no high‑risk guests allowed. He pointed out that there were no guarantees of safe transfer to treatment facilities or quarantine. The city’s biggest concern? Adding another health risk while its own community is battling COVID‑19 cases.
Key Points from Mayor Trantalis
- “No assurances that the ship’s passengers will be escorted to medical care.”
- “We can’t add more risk amid our own health crisis.”
- He called on the National Guard and Homeland Security to devise a protection plan.
Inside the Passenger’s View
Passenger Laura Gabaroni was sharp about the situation. “Four people have already died, and that’s on the conscience of everyone who turned us away.” She pleaded: “We desperately need a port that will let us dock to treat the sick and get the healthy back home.”
Other passengers feel the strain of limbo. Dante Leguizamon said he’s “full of uncertainty, without money, and without knowing if there is a plane back home.” In his small cabin, he confessed it’s been “very difficult to maintain mental health.”
Company’s Continued Search
Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line, issued a video message stating that the company was still trying to figure out a disembarkation port. He assures that both the Zaandam and the Rotterdam have passengers who are isolated safely while they work out where they’ll go next.
He apologized: “It’s been a tough last several days.” He also dispelled the myth that one ship is “healthy” and the other “sick,” emphasizing shared isolation and protection.
What’s Next?
- Passengers are waiting for a final port designation.
- The Rotterdam is also transiting the canal.
- The canal’s decision to permit passage was a humanitarian move after turning aside several South American ports.
And so the saga continues—cruise line, government, and ship passengers all playing a high‑stakes game of “who’s going to pay the price” for the next stop. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving maritime health crisis.
