MS Westerdam cruise ship is moored at port in Sihanoukville, where it has been granted permission to dock following nearly two weeks at sea after being turned away by five countries over coronavirus fears, Cambodia February 13, 2020. Reuters/Juarawee Kitt
The 2,257 passengers and crew aboard a luxury cruise liner that was barred by many ports over fears it harbored the coronavirus will finally set foot on dry land, ending an ordeal that’s gone on for almost two weeks.
The Westerdam arrived in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville port early Thursday, and local officials boarded the vessel, ship operator Holland America Line said. Thailand and four other nations and territories had turned the ship away because of concerns over the coronavirus.
Christina Kerby, a guest on the ship, said on Twitter that passengers have been informed that no coronavirus has been found and they will be able to begin disembarking Friday morning. A report in the Khmer Times, citing a ministry of health spokesman, said 20 ill passengers aboard had tested negative for the virus.
The passengers on board the liner, which is part of Miami-based Carnival Corp.’s stable, celebrated Wednesday night after hearing their period of limbo at sea would soon be over, Kerby said.
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen said the virus is a global challenge and his nation’s humanitarian efforts have no borders, according to a report by local media Fresh News. The Kingdom of Cambodia doesn’t just cooperate with China, but with all countries, he told the outlet.
Thailand turned the Westerdam away even after the operator said it had no reason to believe there were any cases of the deadly virus on board. Although Thailand refused entry, it had promised medical help for any sick persons.
Assessing Impact
The Westerdam’s next scheduled voyage, from Yokohama, Japan, on Feb. 15, is canceled, and the cruise line said it’s "assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on cruises departing Feb. 29 or later.”
Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and Guam were the other countries or territories that rejected the Westerdam on concerns over the virus, which has killed more than 1,300 people since the outbreak started in central China late last year.
The Westerdam departed Hong Kong on Feb. 1 on a 14-day Taiwan and Japan cruise. The 1,455 guests and 802 crew members were originally scheduled to disembark at Yokohama on Feb. 15.
Meanwhile, controversy was brewing over another cruise liner that was allowed to dock in Phuket, Thailand.
Many Thais expressed anger on Twitter after local authorities permitted Seabourn Ovation to berth at the tourist-hub island. The cruise was scheduled to leave Phuket late Thursday after its passengers were done visiting the island, a local official said. The cruise’s passengers, all from Europe, were required to take temperature readings upon disembarkation, she said.
