Cruise Ships Stranded COVID-19
The cruise industry has been utterly devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cruise lines across the globe are shut down with most of their ships being parked absent of guests until things become safe again. Unfortunately though there are still ships stuck out on the water with guests and suspected cases of Coronavirus. These ships are trying to find a place to dock.
Celebrity Eclipse – Stuck in Chile
The Celebrity Eclipse was denied entry for all non-Chilean passengers in Valparaiso, Chile (home to the best street art!) and is bringing on more supplies before it heads up to San Diego. There is no official word if they will be allowed to dock there, however I am sure the passengers are happy to know there is some sort of plan in place.
According to Captain Leo they are waiting on provisions apparently 1/2 requested medical supplies are still in transit. Then there’s a water shortage. So laundry is limited to ten items every four days per stateroom. He hopes to depart for San Diego today. #celebrityeclipse pic.twitter.com/HLonNaFiJx
— Cedar Posts (@CedarPosts) March 19, 2020
Azamara Pursuit – Stuck in Chile
Similar to Celebrity Eclipse, the Azamara Pursuit is stuck in limbo as well near Valparaiso, Chile. I have been seeing reports that the ship is restocking and headed to Miami after being stranded with hundreds of passengers on board. Like the Celebrity ship they will not be allowed to dock in Chile.
Hanging out on Azamara Pursuit anchored in Valparaiso Chile. We are still loading provisions and reading to sail to Miami. #relax #cruiseship #azamarapursuit #allhealthy #greatcrew #amazingcaptain #silverlinings
— AudaciousChoice (@OHaraAmber) March 19, 2020
Norwegian Spirit – Stuck in South Africa
The Norwegian Spirit is also stuck with thousands of passengers on board off the coast of Cape Town. It appears from reports the cruise line is negotiating with South African authorities to allow the passengers to disembark, however they are still stuck on board waiting for the next move. Supplies seem to be running out, so let’s hope they come to a solution quickly!
#norwegianspirit #ncl #cruise just off the phone to my mum who is on the NCL Spirit. She said they are not getting told anything! They have ran out of vegetables and milk- currently on powder milk, other than that their is enough food. Meant to get off in Cape Town 22nd at 1300.
— TimetoSmile (@j_cupcakes_) March 19, 2020
Norwegian Jewel – Denied Entry to Hawaii
The Norwegian Jewel has been sailing with its current guests since February 28! They have been refused entry into a few different countries including Fiji, however they were heading to Hawaii to disembark. According to recent tweets their plan to disembark in Hawaii may be up in the air as it seems as of now Hawaiian authorities have denied them. I have sailed the Jewel before and hope all of her guests will soon be able to get on dry land.
My father is a Vietnam Veteran on the Norwegian Jewel. They are now unable to disembark in Honolulu on Sunday. We had hoped the U.S. would have the means to help it’s citizens get home.
— Victoria Maehara (@MaeharaVictoria) March 19, 2020
Braemar – Finally Allowed to Dock in Cuba
Other ships which have been stranded for up to a couple of weeks are starting to find solutions. As I mentioned above it does look like Norwegian Spirit has found a solution and another ship, the Braemar finally was able to dock in Cuba after being stranded at sea for weeks with thousands of passengers.
MS Braemar: «Yo te quiero, Cuba» https://t.co/i8KuXRQZ8t Via @Granma_Digital
— Gladys Portilla (@PortillaGladys) March 19, 2020
Cruise Ships Stranded COVID-19 – Bottom Line
Like so much of the travel industry, the cruise lines have been absolutely devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s kind of shocking to know that thousands of people are still stranded on cruise ships around the globe, but it is just a reminder that this crisis is only beginning and we still have a long road to recovery ahead. Twitter is a great resource to find the latest info about these ships if you are interested in learning more.
Are you stuck on these ships or know someone who is? Were you stuck on a different ship due to COVID-19? Share your stories below!
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I have a friend on one of the “stranded” ships; she updates daily on FB.
They’re from New England and had been saving up for this cruise for years; it was to celebrate her husband’s retirement. Their journey started in Australia in early Feb, weeks before the virus was in the U.S. So nope, not all of these cruises are cheap or last-minute deals, not all of them started in the midst of the COVID-19 mess hitting the U.S., and despite some people’s schadenfreude, not all passengers are kicking themselves in the rear. More are of an “it is what it is” attitude.
Frankly, since no one on their particular ship has coronavirus (and they’re weeks past the incubation period), they’re probably safer on the ship than on land. But, of course, understandably, they all want to go home.
I bet all of these I don’t care about the virus I must travel.on that cheap deal are all kicking themselves in the rear. Like the old saying you get what you paid for. Its beyond me why people still choose to travel during this time. Sail on a cruise that you can’t disembark, be stuck on a high risk confined area and fight over rotten food? People also taking these cheap leisure flight will start suffering the same being trapped in quarantine in different countries and process through harsh screening just to go to go sit in a hotel with takeout food? Everything is shitting down all over the world to include beaches. Then even if you go through all of that for a cheap vacation if its in Hawaii you will also have to deal local curfew (9PM to 5AM), protesters who hate you and don’t want you to bring your virus here, this is no time for me non-essential travel stay home and bank your points.
https://www.kitv.com/story/41912481/residents-of-molokai-and-maui-protest-to-keep-visitors-out-amid-covid19-fears
This story is crazy:
Coronavirus ends Holland cruise halfway around the world – South Florida Sun-Sentinel
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/coronavirus/fl-bz-coronavirus-stranding-elderly-cruisers-in-australia-20200318-shqkc2sbuneqbla5qklififcpq-story.html
The other side of that is beside those passengers probally paid for a super cheap deal for that one way trip there is little anyone can legally do to fight against cruises. With the International maritime laws you can pretty much get raped and killed and your rights to do anything about it are very limited. The passengers got a deal being let off the ship other side of the world I think that’s much better then being trapped on it.