A Windsor couple is among 280 Canadian passengers on board the Maasdam cruise ship that has been in limbo for the last two weeks.
Sharon and Graham Bell boarded the ship on February 16 in Sydney, Australia with plans to finish their vacation April 3 in San Diego, California. Just short of a month into their cruise, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic and many countries closed their ports to any cruise ships.
Since then, passengers and crews have been left wondering when and where they would be allowed to disembark. Sharon said she estimates they have been rejected from at least 10 ports of call. They were headed to Hilo, Hawaii where they were told they would be allowed to disembark and fly home. That stop was cancelled and flights had to be rebooked. Then, passengers were told they would be able to disembark in Honolulu, Hawaii on Friday. Again, negotiations fell through and previously booked flights had to be cancelled.
"Airline expenses are running high. Over $5,000.00 alone from one flight, credit only returned from Air Canada. It had only been booked 48 hours," Sharon said in an email to BlackburnNews.com.
The ship was able to dock, refuel, and pick-up provisions. Some Hawaiians were also able to disembark but no one else was allowed off the ship.
Despite the uncertainty, Sharon said everyone on board the ship is healthy and there are no signs of the virus. She says despite the continuous disappointment, the sun is shining, the passengers are supporting each other, and the crew continues to work hard.
"I must say all crew has been exceptional always smiling. They are under so much stress not knowing what will happen. Captain is amazing, but I can’t say enough about our Cruise Director Thomas who is originally from Detroit. He keeps everyone upbeat and entertained," Bell wrote.
The Holland America Line posted on its Facebook page that the ship is now en route to California.
"Maasdam departed Honolulu on March 20 at 6:14 p.m. and is en route to San Diego, California, with a planned arrival on March 27 for guest debarkation. Maasdam took on enough fuel and provisions at Honolulu to comfortably make the journey to San Diego," read the online statement.
Sharon said they have had word from Global Affairs Canada that they are aware of the situation and are working on getting them home.
"Emotionally I can only speak for myself and my husband. We have our moments missing family and friends. Hoping everyone at home is well. As the ship is Corona free even the beer at this point we are lucky to be in a healthy environment," Sharon said.