{"id":60177,"date":"2020-02-06T11:34:38","date_gmt":"2020-02-06T16:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/ms-westerdam\/statement-regarding-westerdam-in-japan\/"},"modified":"2022-11-11T15:37:33","modified_gmt":"2022-11-11T21:37:33","slug":"pandemic-safety-update-westerdam-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/whats-new\/pandemic-safety-update-westerdam-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Updated Statement Regarding Westerdam"},"content":{"rendered":"

Update: 3\/4\/2020 4 pm Pacific Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

Holland America Line has consistently stated there was no evidence or indication of any cases or suspected cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on Westerdam. All guests and crew have been reported clear of COVID-19.<\/p>\n

We believe the one \u201cpositive\u201d result was a false-positive, as repeated testing of the guest have been negative and not a single other guest or crewmember has been diagnosed with COVID-19. <\/p>\n

This was affirmed Feb. 21 (local date) at a press conference by Malaysia\u2019s Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and a local press release quoting Cambodia\u2019s Honorable Prime Minister Hun that the Cambodian government has \u201cdoubt\u201d over the accuracy of the initial health testing for the woman as she \u201chas been tested repeatedly for Covid-19, with the results showing that she is clear of the virus.\u201d He reiterated that \u201cno viral infections have been found among the more than 2,000 passengers and crew of Westerdam.\u201d He also declared that \u201cjustice is given to Cambodia and all the passengers on the ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

Update: 2\/20\/2020 5 pm Pacific Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

Due to the uncertainty of ports accepting cruise ships in Asia, Holland America Line has decided to cancel Westerdam\u2019s four March and April 2020 Asia cruises. <\/p>\n

The cancelled cruises include:
\n\u2022 March 14\u201328, 14-day South Korea and Japan, sailing roundtrip Yokohama, Japan.
\n\u2022 March 28\u2013April 11, 14-day Japan Explorer, sailing roundtrip Yokohama.
\n\u2022 April 11\u201325, 14-day Japan and Russia, sailing roundtrip Yokohama.
\n\u2022 April 25\u2013May 10, 16-day North Pacific Crossing, sailing Yokohama to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.<\/p>\n

Details and itineraries regarding Westerdam deployment through early May will be provided in the coming days. <\/p>\n

Holland America Line has been closely monitoring the very fluid and evolving situation with respect to the ability to successfully operate cruise itineraries in Asia due to the regional concerns surrounding COVID-19. We never want to disappoint our guests, however we are not confident that we could deliver a cruise experience that meets their expectations. <\/p>\n

All guests will receive a full refund of the cruise fare paid. Each guest will also receive a future cruise credit of 25-50% of fare paid depending on the departure date and reimbursement of any travel cancellation fees. <\/p>\n

Guests on impacted cruises or their travel advisors may call 1-800-577-1729 or 206-626-7385, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. <\/p>\n

Update: 2\/20\/2020 2 am Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nThe Cambodian Ministry of Health has issued a statement confirming that all 747 crew on board Westerdam have tested negative for COVID-19. This in addition to the announcement yesterday that 781 guests in Cambodia tested negative and were cleared to begin their travels home. All testing was conducted by the Pasteur Institute in Phnom Penh.<\/p>\n

Twenty-five crew members were originally scheduled to disembark the ship on Feb. 15 at the end of their work contracts. They will now begin their travels home. The rest of the crew will remain on Westerdam to continue their work contracts. <\/p>\n

This completes the testing ordered by the Cambodian Ministry of Health related to Westerdam. It is anticipated the ship will remain alongside in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, for a few more days until its future itinerary is finalized. The next scheduled cruise on Feb. 29 was previously cancelled.<\/p>\n

Holland America Line sincerely thanks Cambodia\u2019s Honorable Prime Minister Hun, the Cambodian Ministry of Health and all those in Cambodia who have worked so hard to get our guests home and help clear our crew. <\/p>\n

Our sincere gratitude also goes to the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia for all of its hard work and support. We also appreciate the embassies from several other nations that provided their vital assistance and our flag state of the Netherlands for its many efforts.<\/p>\n

We would also like to thank the regional authorities from the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their guidance. <\/p>\n

Update: 2\/19\/2020 9 am Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nHolland America Line will be making a decision on all of Westerdam’s remaining Asia sailings by the end of the week. We would like to thank everyone for their extreme patience and understanding during this unprecedented situation. <\/p>\n

Update: 2\/18\/2020 10 pm Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nThe Cambodian Ministry of Health has issued a press release confirming that 781 Westerdam guests have tested negative for COVID-19. This completes the guests\u2019 testing.<\/p>\n

These results provide the required clearance for remaining guests in Cambodia to begin their onward journey home. The company is working to finalize arrangements for everyone. Those who travelled home previously will be contacted by their local health department and provided further information. <\/p>\n

Westerdam will remain alongside in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, for at least a few more days until testing is complete on the 747 crewmembers on board. <\/p>\n

Update: 2\/18\/2020 2:30 pm Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nWe know that guests booked on Westerdam Asia sailings March 14 and beyond have questions and would like an answer soon. We appreciate the many perspectives on this issue. Please know this is high on our priority list, and we fully appreciate the questions around timing given the announcements of others. There are many factors that go into these decisions, including what other options might be. We kindly request your understanding of this extremely complex situation. Thank you.<\/p>\n

Update: 2\/17\/2020 9:30 am Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nAs we are still working through the extremely complex factors and decisions of itinerary planning, no cancellations for cruises with departure dates beyond Feb. 29 have been announced at this time. We understand that our guests are eager to learn more about their departures, and we are assessing future cruise itineraries as quickly as possible. We will announce an update as soon as plans are finalized. Thank you for your understanding and patience.<\/p>\n

Update: 2\/17\/2020 3:45 am Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nWesterdam remains alongside in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, where officials from the Cambodian Health Ministry are on board today to complete testing for COVID-19 on the 255 guests and 747 crew that are awaiting clearance. We anticipate this will take several days and greatly appreciate the thoroughness of all authorities involved in resolving this situation.<\/p>\n

Guests at a hotel in Phnom Penh have all completed the COVID-19 screening. Results are being returned when completed, with the first batch of 406 all being negative. Cleared guests may travel home, and arrangements are being made for those guests.<\/p>\n

Guests in both locations are being very well cared for, including assistance with any medications needed. A full team is on the ground in both Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh, including Holland America Line\u2019s President Orlando Ashford. We are communicating updates regularly as new information becomes available. A special hotline has been established for families.<\/p>\n

One female guest remains in a hospital in Malaysia with a reported positive result for COVID-19 according to Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. She is currently in stable condition. Her traveling companion tested negative for COVID-19.<\/p>\n

“We are in close coordination with some of the leading health experts from around the world,” said Dr. Grant Tarling, Chief Medical Officer for Holland America Line. “These experts are working with the appropriate national health authorities to investigate and follow-up with any individuals who may have come in contact with the guest.”<\/p>\n

Holland America Line continues to work closely and in compliance with government and health officials in Malaysia and Cambodia, as well as experts in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). At this time, no other guests or crew on board or at the hotel have reported any symptoms of the illness. Guests who have already returned home will be contacted by their local health department and provided further information.<\/p>\n

Prior to arrival in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Holland America Line undertook significant precautions to ensure the health and safety of our guests and crew. On Feb. 10, 2020, all 2,257 passengers and crew were screened for illness including the taking of individual temperatures. No individual at that time was identified with an elevated temperature. Guests who were able to disembark in Cambodia underwent additional health screening and temperature checks. Furthermore, the passports of everyone on board were reviewed to ensure no one had traveled through mainland China in the 14 days prior to the cruise.<\/p>\n

During the voyage there was no indication of COVID-19 on the ship. The guest who tested positive did not visit the ship\u2019s medical center to report any symptoms of illness. An additional 20 guests who reported to the medical center during the cruise were tested by health officials for COVID-19, and all results were confirmed negative.<\/p>\n

Holland America Line will provide a further update once we have more information.\u202f<\/p>\n

Update: 2\/16\/2020 2:50 pm Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nOut of an abundance of caution, Holland America Line has decided to cancel the Feb. 29 cruise of Westerdam. The ship was due to depart Yokohama for a 14-day round trip cruise visiting mostly Japanese ports. <\/p>\n

Holland America Line has been closely monitoring the very fluid and evolving situation with respect to the new Covid-19 that originated in mainland China. The difficult decision to cancel this cruise comes after carefully considering the highly dynamic and unpredictable changes seen the past couple of weeks in travel restrictions and port operations that could affect the cruise. <\/p>\n

All guests will receive a full refund. Each guest will also receive a 50% future cruise credit and reimbursement of cancellation fees. <\/p>\n

While this decision will be disappointing for our guests, we feel they will understand the commitment to looking after the safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the places we visit. <\/p>\n

Guests on impacted cruises or their travel advisors may call 1-800-577-1729 or 206-626-7385 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific time. <\/p>\n

No cancellations for cruises with departure dates beyond Feb. 29 have been announced at this time. However, we are assessing future cruise itineraries and will communicate details as soon as plans are finalized.<\/p>\n

Update: 2\/16\/2020 5:24 am Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nTesting done in Malaysia on a Westerdam guest who disembarked the ship to fly home was reported positive for COVID-19, as confirmed by a statement by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at a press conference. The guest departed Westerdam February 14 and later reported feeling ill at the Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia airport. The guest was taken to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. The guest\u2019s traveling companion tested negative for COVID-19. <\/p>\n

Holland America Line is working closely with government and health officials in Malaysia and Cambodia and experts in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). At this time, no other guests or crew, either on board or on their way home, have reported any symptoms of the illness. Guests who have already returned home will be contacted by their local health department and be provided further information. <\/p>\n

“We are in close coordination with some of the leading health experts from around the world,” said Dr. Grant Tarling, Chief Medical Officer for Holland America Line. “These experts are working with the appropriate national health authorities to investigate and follow-up with individuals who may have come in contact with the guest.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

On Feb. 10, 2020, all 2,257 passengers and crew on board Westerdam were screened for illness including the taking of individual temperatures. No individual was identified with an elevated temperature. Also during disembarkation in Cambodia guests underwent an additional health screening including the completion of a written health questionnaire. Furthermore, the passports of everyone on board were reviewed to ensure no one had traveled through mainland China in the 14 days prior to the cruise. During the voyage there was no indication of COVID-19 on the ship. The guest who tested positive did not visit the ship\u2019s medical center to report any symptoms of illness. An additional 20 guests who reported to the medical center during the cruise were tested by health officials for COVID-19, and all results were confirmed negative.<\/p>\n

Westerdam is alongside at Sihanoukville, Cambodia, with 747 crew and 233 guests who are awaiting their final travel arrangements. The remainder of guests from the voyage departed Sihanoukville via charter flights to Phnom Penh and are in various stages of transit home.<\/p>\n

Holland America Line will provide a further update once we have more information.\u202f<\/p>\n

Update: 2\/15\/2020 10:40 am Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nWhile the first results have been reported, they are preliminary at this point and we are awaiting secondary testing for confirmation. <\/p>\n

We are working with officials in Malaysia, Cambodia and the U.S. CDC as is standard.<\/p>\n

On Feb. 10 all 2,257 passengers and crew on board Westerdam were temperature-tested and not one person had an elevated temperature. Disembarking guests also completed a written health questionnaire and the passports of everyone on board were reviewed to ensure no one had traveled through mainland China in the prior 14 days. During the voyage there was no indication of Covid-19 on the ship. <\/p>\n

Westerdam is alongside in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, with 236 guests and 747 crew on board. The remainder of guests from the voyage departed Sihanoukville via charter flights to Phnom Penh yesterday and today and are in various stages of transit home. <\/p>\n

Update: 2\/15\/2020 6 am Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nWe are aware of flight delays and are making alternate arrangements for all impacted guests. Hotel accommodations have been provided and our team on the ground is assisting our guests getting food and services. We will continue to work with them on booking onward flights home. <\/p>\n

Westerdam is alongside in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, with 236 guests and 747 crew on board. The remainder of guests from the voyage departed Sihanoukville via charter flights to Phnom Penh and onward yesterday and today.<\/p>\n

Westerdam was on a 14-day cruise that departed Hong Kong Feb.1, 2020, and was scheduled to end Feb. 15 in Yokohama, Japan. There were originally 1,455 guests and 802 crew on board during the cruise.<\/p>\n

Update: 2\/13\/2020 11:15 am Pacific Time<\/strong>
\nThe Cambodian Health Ministry has announced that the 20 samples taken onboard Westerdam have all been confirmed as negative for coronavirus by the Pasteur Laboratory in Phnom Penh. As stated in previous communications, there were never any suspected cases of coronavirus on board.<\/p>\n

We sincerely thank all those in Cambodia who have demonstrated a willingness to welcome us with an open mind and make decisions based on facts.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also extend our deepest gratitude to President Trump, Cambodia\u2019s Honorable Prime Minister Hun Sen, Canadian Foreign Minister Champagne, elected officials across the country and governments around the world for providing support and being effective allies in bringing our guests home,\u201d said Stein Kruse, Group CEO, Holland America Group and Carnival UK. \u201cWe are pleased with the successful resolution of this challenging journey that was complicated by unfounded fears stemming from erroneous information with respect to the medical condition of Westerdam\u2019s guests and crew. This has all been a terrible and unfortunate misunderstanding that has impacted 2,257 people on board and hundreds of others shoreside who have worked 24\/7 to get our guests home.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Cambodian authorities have granted clearance to Westerdam to begin disembarkation of guests the morning of Feb. 14, 2020, in Sihanoukville. Flight details are being communicated to guests as they are finalized, and it is expected that a full disembarkation will take a few days given the charter flight schedule. During this time, guests will remain comfortably on board with full service in operation.<\/p>\n

In addition to homeward travel provided by Holland America Line, guests have received a 100% refund of their cruise fare, plus an additional 100% future cruise credit. We hope that guests on this voyage will join us again and sincerely thank them for the many compliments we have received for our crew and the acknowledgements that this situation was out of our control. <\/p>\n

Update: 2\/12\/2020 3:30am Pacific Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

Westerdam is now sailing for Sihanoukville, Cambodia, where the current cruise will end. We will arrive at 7:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, Feb. 13 and will remain in port for several days for disembarkation. Guests will be able to go ashore. All approvals have been received and we are extremely grateful to the Cambodian authorities for their support. <\/p>\n

Guests will disembark in Sihanoukville over the next few days and transfer via charter flights to Phnom Penh for forward travel home. Holland America Line will arrange and pay for all flights home, in addition to the full cruise refund and 100% future cruise credit already communicated. <\/p>\n

Future Westerdam voyage plans are still being finalized. The Feb. 15 cruise scheduled to embark in Yokohama has been cancelled. No cancellations for cruises with departure dates beyond Feb. 15 have been announced at this time. However, we are assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on cruises departing Feb. 29 or later. We will communicate details as they become finalized in the next few days.<\/p>\n

Westerdam was on a 14-day cruise that departed Hong Kong Feb.1. There are 1,455 guests and 802 crew on board. The cruise was previously scheduled to disembark Feb. 15 in Yokohama, Japan. <\/p>\n

All guests on board are healthy and despite erroneous reports there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on board, nor have their ever been. <\/p>\n

The latest information will continue to be posted under the News & Travel Advisory section of hollandamerica.com.<\/p>\n

Update: 2\/11\/2020 12:03am Pacific Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are aware of the reports regarding the status of Westerdam\u2019s call to Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand. We are actively working this matter and will provide an update when we are able. We know this is confusing for our guests and their families and we greatly appreciate their patience. We have no reason to believe there are any cases of coronavirus on board the ship despite media reports.<\/p>\n

Update: 2\/10\/2020 12:45am Pacific Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

Westerdam is sailing for Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand, where the current cruise that departed Feb. 1 will end on Thursday, February 13. Guests will be disembarking in Laem Chabang and transfer to Bangkok for their forward travel home. This new schedule has been communicated to guests on board. The cruise was previously scheduled to disembark Feb. 15 in Yokohama, Japan. <\/p>\n

All guests will receive a 100% refund for the 14-day sailing, as well as a 100% Future Cruise Credit.<\/p>\n

Following the disembarkation of guests, Westerdam will depart Laem Chabang. The Feb. 15 cruise scheduled to embark in Yokohama has been cancelled. No cancellations for cruises with departure dates beyond February 15 have been announced at this time. However, we are assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on cruises departing Feb. 29 or later. We will communicate details as they become finalized in the next few days. The latest information will continue to be posted under the News & Travel Advisory section of hollandamerica.com.
\nAgain, we sincerely thank our guests and the crew on Westerdam \u2014 and their loved ones \u2014 for their patience during this extraordinary time.<\/p>\n

Update: 2\/7\/2020 1:00pm Pacific Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

Westerdam is currently sailing on a southwesterly course off the coast of Taiwan to best position the ship to access potential port locations where we can disembark our guests. We are evaluating several options and working with different governments for a swift resolution. <\/p>\n

Guests on board continue to be safe and well cared for. The ship is not in quarantine and we have no reason to believe there are any cases of coronavirus on board despite media reports. The ship has sufficient fuel and food provisions to last until the end of the voyage. We are providing free internet and phone access for guests and crew to stay in contact with their loved ones. Guests have been provided a full refund and a future cruise credit.<\/p>\n

This is a very dynamic situation as we continue to manage around evolving and changing restrictions in the region. We sincerely thank our guests and crew on Westerdam \u2014 and their loved ones \u2014 for their patience during this extraordinary time.<\/p>\n

The latest information will continue to be posted under the News & Travel Advisory section of our website at hollandamerica.com.<\/p>\n

The Westerdam\u2019s Feb. 15 cruise has been cancelled and guests have been notified. No cancellations beyond Feb. 15 have been announced at this time. However, we are assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on cruises departing Feb. 29 or later. We will communicate details as they become finalized.<\/p>\n

For all of our cruises, we continue to monitor the evolving situation with respect to the coronavirus that originated in mainland China, and our medical experts are coordinating closely with global health authorities to implement enhanced screening, prevention and control measures for our ships globally. <\/p>\n

Measures we are implementing include:<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Guests who have traveled from or through mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau, or had contact with a suspected or confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or a person who is under monitoring for coronavirus in the last 14 days prior to sailing, will not be permitted to board the ship. <\/p>\n

\u00b7 Pre-boarding medical evaluations, including temperature checks, for persons who, for any reason, appear or identify as symptomatic (respiratory or fever symptoms).<\/p>\n

\u00b7 For all guests, our standard pre-boarding health form advising of their obligation to report any illness or symptoms of an illness.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Medical screening for coronavirus of all guests who visit our onboard Medical Center with symptoms of any respiratory illness.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Reporting to local and national health authorities of all cases of fever or respiratory illness, and any patients with suspected coronavirus infection.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Crew members from mainland China will be delayed from joining any ship until further notice. Crew members from other regions of the world who may have been scheduled to connect on flights through China have been rerouted.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Additional environmental disinfection on board will be performed in addition to our regular stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols.<\/p>\n

The above is subject to change at any time based on the interests of health and safety of our guests and crew as well as any other requirements that may be imposed by local authorities.<\/p>\n

Westerdam is on a 14-day Taiwan & Japan cruise that departed Hong Kong Feb.1. and was scheduled to end at Yokohama Feb. 15. There are 1,455 guests and 802 crew onboard, of which 687 guests continued on the Feb. 1 sailing from the previous voyage. <\/p>\n

Update: 2\/6\/2020 10 PM Pacific Time:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Guests on board Westerdam continue to be fully safe and secure. The ship is currently in a holding pattern off the coast of Japan, southeast of Okinawa, while we are working to finalize a new port of disembarkation. Please be assured that the ship is not in quarantine and we have no reason to believe there are any cases of coronavirus on board despite media reports. The ship has sufficient fuel and food provisions to last until the end of the voyage. We are providing free internet and phone access for our guests and crew so they can contact loved ones at home, though internet access in general has been challenging in the area. We are making regular announcements on board.<\/p>\n

We want to thank everyone on board Westerdam for their patience and understanding during this extraordinary situation. <\/p>\n

We also announced earlier today the cancellation of the Feb. 15 Westerdam cruise. Guests and their travel advisors have been notified. We truly regret having to disappoint our guests. <\/p>\n

No additional cancellations of cruises beyond Feb. 15 have been announced at this time. However, we are assessing the impact of current port restrictions in Asia on Westerdam cruises departing Feb. 29 or later. We know booked guests are anxious to understand how their booked cruise may be impacted and we will communicate as soon as new details become finalized.
\nThe latest information will continue to be posted under the Travel Advisory section of our website at: https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/en_US\/news\/coronavirus-travel-advisory.html <\/a><\/p>\n

Update 2\/6\/2020 10 AM Pacific Time:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Holland America Line has been notified that the Japanese Government will not permit Westerdam to call in Japanese ports. The ship had been scheduled to call to Ishigaki Island, Naha, Okinawa, Nagasaki and Fukuoka (Hakata), before its scheduled turn in Yokohama on Feb. 15, where the next cruise was scheduled to embark. The ship is not in quarantine and there are no known cases of coronavirus on board. <\/p>\n

We are quickly working to develop alternate plans and are keeping guests updated on board as information becomes available. As well, the latest updates will be posted under the Travel Advisory section on our website as soon as they are known. The next cruise that was scheduled to embark in Yokohama on Feb. 15 has been cancelled. Booked guests and their travel advisors will be notified.<\/p>\n

We are closely monitoring the evolving situation with respect to coronavirus that originated in mainland China and our medical experts are coordinating closely with global health authorities to implement enhanced screening, prevention and control measures for our ships globally. <\/p>\n

Measures we are implementing include:<\/p>\n

\u2022\tGuests who have traveled from or through mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or had contact with a suspected or confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or a person who is under monitoring for coronavirus in the last 14 days prior to sailing will not be permitted to board the ship.
\n\u2022\tPre-Boarding medical evaluations, including temperature checks, for persons whom, for any reason, appear or identify as symptomatic (respiratory or fever symptoms); and
\n\u2022\tFor all guests, our standard pre-boarding health reporting advising of their reporting obligations for any illness or symptoms of an illness.
\n\u2022\tMedical screening for Coronavirus on all guests who visit our onboard Medical Center with symptoms of any respiratory illness.
\n\u2022\tReporting to local and national health authorities of all cases of fever and respiratory illness, and any patients with suspected Coronavirus infection.
\n\u2022\tCrew members from mainland China will be delayed from joining any ship until further notice. Crew members from other regions of the world who may have been scheduled to connect on flights through China have been rerouted.
\n\u2022\tAdditional environmental disinfection onboard will be performed in addition to our regular stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols.<\/p>\n

The above is subject to change at any time based on the interests of health and safety of our guests and crew as well as any other requirements that may be imposed by local authorities.<\/p>\n

Westerdam is on a 14-day Taiwan & Japan cruise that departed Hong Kong on Feb. 1. There are 1,455 guests and 802 crew on board, of which 687 guests were continuing on the Feb. 1 sailing from the previous voyage. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Update: 3\/4\/2020 4 pm Pacific Time Holland America Line has consistently stated there was no evidence or indication of any cases or suspected cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on Westerdam. All guests and crew have been reported clear of COVID-19. We believe the one \u201cpositive\u201d result was a false-positive, as repeated testing of the guest have been negative and not a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1876,"featured_media":60178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[41,40],"tags":[4191,4189],"class_list":["post-60177","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry","category-whats-new","tag-cruise-ship","tag-health-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1876"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60177"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67731,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60177\/revisions\/67731"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hollandamerica.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}