Holland America Line’s Westerdam is sailing for Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand, where the current cruise will end on Feb. 13.
This voyage, which departed Hong Kong on Feb. 1, was supposed to end in Yokohama on Feb. 15. However, Japanese officials had turned Westerdam away from its planned calls.
No coronavirus reported
The ship is not in quarantine and Holland America reiterated on Monday it has no reason to believe there are any cases of coronavirus on board, despite some media reports.
‘We have also received a letter from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment affirming that they have full confidence in all our medical reporting and the quality of our medical staff and services on Westerdam. This assessment was done in concert with the Ministry of Health of the Netherlands,’ HAL said.
Westerdam passengers will be disembarking in Laem Chabang and transfer to Bangkok for their onward travel home.
Full refund and future cruise credit
Passengers will receive a 100% refund for the 14-day sailing, as well as a 100% future cruise credit. Complimentary Internet and phone access is available for passengers and crew to stay in contact with loved ones.
After passengers disembark, Westerdam will depart Laem Chabang. The future voyage plan between cruises is still being finalized.
The Feb. 15 cruise that was to embark in Yokohama was canceled earlier. HAL has not announced cancellations for sailings with departure dates beyond Feb. 15.
Future itineraries under assessment
However, the line said it is assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on cruises sailing Feb. 29 and later and plans to communicate details as they become finalized in the next few days.
Westerdam is currently carrying 1,455 passengers and 802 crew.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited.
Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.  |
