Are There Cruise Ships Still Stranded at Sea?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re an avid traveler, then you know how exciting and exhilarating it can be to embark on a cruise ship. A chance to explore new destinations, indulge in delicious cuisine, and enjoy endless entertainment – all while sailing the high seas. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused chaos in the travel industry, and cruise ships have been one of the hardest hit.

At the beginning of the pandemic, many cruise ships were stranded at sea as ports closed and countries implemented travel restrictions. While some ships were eventually able to dock and allow passengers to disembark, others remained stranded for weeks.

As of now, most cruise ships have returned to port and are no longer stranded at sea. However, there are still a few exceptions.

One of the most notable examples is the MS Zaandam operated by Holland America Line. The ship set sail from Buenos Aires on March 7th with over 1,800 passengers and crew members onboard.

However, it was denied entry at various ports due to concerns over COVID-19. Eventually, it was allowed to dock in Florida on April 2nd but not before four passengers had died onboard due to COVID-19 complications.

Another ship that remains stranded is the MV Artania operated by Phoenix Reisen. The ship set sail from Germany on December 21st with over 1,000 passengers and crew members onboard. It is currently anchored off Western Australia after being denied entry into several ports due to COVID-19 concerns.

It’s important to note that these situations are rare and most cruise ships have resumed operations under new health protocols designed to keep passengers safe during these unprecedented times.

In conclusion, while there were indeed cruise ships stranded at sea during the early stages of the pandemic, most have now returned safely to port. The situation serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the travel industry and why it’s crucial to stay informed before embarking on any future travel plans.