Over 40 Passengers and Crew Fall Ill on Holland America Cruise Ship

Cruise passengers aboard the MS Zaandam are facing possible quarantine after multiple passengers have shown flu-like symptoms.

BusinessInsider.com reports that 13 passengers and 29 crew members are sick aboard the ship with influenza-like symptoms. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have now asked all guests to remain in their staterooms until we have more information,” said a spokesperson for Holland America, the cruise line that owns and operates the MS Zaandam.

The Zaandam has been diverted from its original 14-day itinerary, which was supposed to take the ship from Buenos Aires, Argentina to San Antonio. Now the vessel’s immediate fate is uncertain after Chilean authorities rejected the ship access to its port. The Zaandam is currently sailing without a specific destination port. 

BusinessInsider.com reports that a passenger aboard the ship describes the situation as virtual quarantine, saying . We are all now confined to our rooms. I guess the fun is over. Now I wish we would have upgraded to a balcony.”

A Holland America spokesperson confirmed that the company has asked passengers to stay in their rooms as a result of the contagion. 

The Zaandam is experiencing the same difficulties that many cruise ships are currently facing. A report yesterday indicated that there are currently 30 ships in the world’s waters, and many are having trouble finding a port that will accept them.