recently completed a two-week dry dock in the Bahamas where it received several upgrades to public areas throughout the ship The new enhancements include expansions to the ship’s library and activity areas upgrades to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon and Photo Gallery and Photo Studio as well as refurbishments to the Neptune Lounge The Greenhouse Spa & Salon was one of the more significantly updated spaces with the thermal suite completely rebuilt to include a new infrared sauna The spa’s relaxation lounge has new lounge seating while the salon received new manicure stations as well as new salon chairs and shampoo wash basins Work was also done during the dry dock to make the spa and salon areas more accessible for guests with disabilities The fitness center also received some updates including new bathrooms The library also underwent a significant facelift The space was completely refurbished with a new design and now has an updated book collection for guests to borrow Other areas that received upgrades include: Subscribe to TMR From a new sunset Sky Deck dinner option to lively after-dinner entertainment Avalon is extending the typical river cruise day First-time ASTA River Cruise Expo attendees talk about why you shouldn’t miss next year’s event — and how to make the most of it TMR sat down with Uniworld’s executive vice president of sales for North America at the 2025 ASTA River Cruise Expo Expedition travel isn’t a trend — it’s a mindset shift Princess said the move is part of its global deployment strategy TMR was among the first guests onboard Avalon’s all-new Bordeaux river cruise Holland America Line's Zaandam has emerged from a two-week dry dock in the Bahamas with significant upgrades across multiple public spaces The renovations focused on wellness facilities The ship's Greenhouse Spa & Salon received major updates Caldarium steam room and experiential rain shower in the thermal suite The spa's relaxation lounge features a new beverage counter and seating area while the salon now offers custom manicure stations and new pedicure chairs Accessibility improvements were made throughout the spa and salon areas The Library underwent a complete refresh with modern design elements and an updated book collection A new Art Studio was added to host various creative activities including watercoloring The former Explorations Cafe has been converted into a multi-use space with new puzzle and game tables Photography services saw substantial improvements with the addition of a new Signature Studio for private photo sessions and viewings The Photo Gallery was renovated with new display areas and now features a facial recognition digital photo system that allows guests to access their images through personal accounts a refreshed concierge desk with new seating and an enlarged television Following the renovations, Zaandam will embark on itineraries through the Amazon and Panama Canal with stops in Mexico before beginning its Alaska season Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI based on a press release distributed by Holland America Line It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000 This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page After completing a two-week dry dock in the Bahamas Holland America Line’s Zaandam set sail on Saturday for its 27-day “Amazon Explorer” Voyage featuring several upgrades to public areas Notable enhancements include expanded library and activity areas upgrades to the Greenhouse Spa & Salon RELATED: Holland America Line Partners with The HISTORY Channel for Multi-Year Collaboration Updated Greenhouse Spa & Salon and Fitness Center The Greenhouse Spa & Salon received major updates including a rebuilt thermal suite with a new infrared sauna The relaxation lounge now features a beverage counter and new seating The salon introduced custom manicure stations The Fitness Center was renovated with new storage areas Renovated Library and Activity AreasZaandam’s Library underwent a complete refurbishment and now boasts a modern design and an updated book collection Explorations Café was transformed into a versatile space with puzzle and game tables and a new Art Studio was added for crafting activities like water coloring and painting Enhanced Photo Studio and GalleryThe ship’s Photo Studio and Gallery were significantly improved with the addition of a Signature Studio for custom photo sessions The Photo Gallery was refurbished to include new display areas and a digital photo system with facial recognition technology for easy access to guests’ images Upgrades in the Neptune LoungeThe Neptune Lounge exclusive to Neptune and Pinnacle suite guests and enhanced seating at the concierge desk and then head north for Holland America’s Alaska season Julie Bouchner is the Marketing Lead for Porthole Cruise and Travel She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Syracuse University and playing with her Siberian Husky named Ellie Porthole Cruise and Travel is your one-stop shop for all things cruise-related our mission is to inspire and inform by bringing you the best in cruising and travel ©2025 Porthole Cruise and Travel – All Rights Reserved Airlines Cancel Flights to Israel After Missile Strike Near Airport Bowman’s Travel Brief: Avoid Newark Airport Mastering the Art of Group Travel Bookings Fiesta Americana Travelty Celebrates Travel Advisors The Top 24 Most Powerful Travel Agencies of 2024 The Strategic Art of Pre-Planning Luxury Vacations: A Perspective for Travel Advisors Holland America Line’s Zaandam is out of dry dock and back on the water with new onboard enhancements The ship recently completed a two-week dry dock in the Bahamas. And, on February 8, it departed on its 27-day “Amazon Explorer” Legendary Voyage After spending the next few months exploring the Amazon, the ship will sail through the Panama Canal and visit Mexico before heading to Alaska for the summer Crews made updates to several of the ship’s public areas The Greenhouse Spa & Salon got a makeover with a completely rebuilt thermal suite and the addition of a new infrared spa Caldarium steam room and experiential rain shower The spa’s relaxation room got a new beverage counter and new lounge seating while the salon got custom manicure stations The spa and salon is also now more accessible for guests with disabilities including a new modern design and an updated book collection Crews also made improvements to Explorations Café a private space for guests in the Neptune and Pinnacle suites which will host arts and crafts activities In the ship’s photo studio and photo gallery crews added a new signature studio where guests can reserve custom private photo sessions and private photo viewing.They also updated the photo gallery to include new photo display areas For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Video Interview: What’s New With Holland America Line Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. Her work has appeared in Travel+Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler,... Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000 Nieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw Amsterdam14 Nights 14 Nights  Mexican RivieraMexican Riviera & Baja PeninsulaLeaving from: San Diego →+8 ports 2025(2)Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam35 Nights Tahiti & MarquesasLeaving from: San Diego →+14 ports 2026Holland America LineNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw Amsterdam18 Nights 18 Nights  HawaiiCircle HawaiiLeaving from: San Diego →+7 ports 2026Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam60 Nights 60 Nights  Australia & New ZealandGrand Australia & New ZealandLeaving from: San Diego →+28 ports 4 Nights  Pacific CoastalPacific Coastal CruiseLeaving from: San Diego →+2 ports 2026Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam29 Nights 29 Nights  HawaiiCircle Hawaii & Historical Baja PeninsulaLeaving from: San Diego →+15 ports 2025Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam13 Nights 13 Nights  Mexican RivieraHistorical Baja PeninsulaLeaving from: San Diego →+10 ports 2027Holland America LineNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw Amsterdam10 Nights 10 Nights  Mexican RivieraMexican Riviera & Sea Of CortezLeaving from: San Diego →+6 ports 2025Holland America LineNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw Amsterdam11 Nights 11 Nights  Mexican RivieraMexican Riviera & Sea Of CortezLeaving from: San Diego →+7 ports 2025Holland America Line.css-ad1o0y{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;height:-webkit-max-content;height:-moz-max-content;height:max-content;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}Nieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw Amsterdam14 Nights Wine Country And PnwLeaving from: San Diego →+9 ports 7 Nights  Pacific CoastalWine Country & Pacific NorthwestLeaving from: San Diego →+5 ports 2026Holland America LineKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdam28 Nights 28 Nights  Panama Canal & Central AmericaPanama Canal & Eastern CaribbeanLeaving from: San Diego →+18 ports 2025Holland America LineEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodam24 Nights 24 Nights  Panama Canal & Central AmericaPanama Canal & Eastern CaribbeanLeaving from: San Diego →+15 ports 2025Holland America LineCruise Critic FavoriteZuiderdamZuiderdamZuiderdamZuiderdamZuiderdam26 Nights 26 Nights  Panama Canal & Central AmericaPanama Canal & Eastern CaribbeanLeaving from: San Diego →+18 ports 2026Holland America LineKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdam35 Nights Tahiti & MarquesasLeaving from: San Diego →+11 ports 1fr));}@media screen and (min-width: 576px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(1 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(2 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(3 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1284px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site Our partners who list cruise pricing on Cruise Critic are required to provide prices for cruise only or cruise packages and are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings Rates are in GBP and valid for UK and Ireland residents only please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site Cruise Critic is not responsible for content on external web sites Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of 6th May 2025 Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris was a convincing winner of the men’s race at the Dam tot Damloop on Sunday (22), winning the 10-mile road race between Amsterdam and Zaandam in 44:51. His winning time puts him equal eighth on the world all-time list for the distance. The two-time world 5000m champion finished 27 seconds clear of three-time world 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei, while defending champion Mathew Kimeli was third in 45:44. Asayech Ayichew made it an Ethiopian double, winning the women’s race in 51:15 ahead of Kenya’s Gladys Chepkurui (51:34) and Ethiopia’s Mebrat Gidey (52:14). Edris made an early break and had a lead of a few seconds over Cheptegei by the time he reached 5km in 14:02. He then increased his pace and hit 10km in 27:49, just 11 seconds shy of his PB for the distance, while Cheptegei trailed seven seconds behind. The pace dropped slightly over the final 6km but Edris continued to pull away from his opponenets, eventually crossing the line in 44:51 with Cheptegei taking second place in 45:18, just three seconds shy of his winning time from 2018. The women’s race was a bit closer throughout the first 10km as Ayichew and Chepkurui passed through 5km in 15:34 and 10km in 31:37, but the Ethiopian started to pull away during the closing stages and eventually crossed the line a comfortable winner in 51:15. Loice Chemnung emerged victorious from a deep and competitive field at the tRUNsylvania International 10K – a World Athletics Elite Label road race – to lead a Kenyan sweep of the top six places in 30:13. Compatriot Daniel Kinyanjui took the men’s title in a close finish in 27:08 as Morocco’s Hicham Amghar and Kenya’s Weldon Lagat finished just one second behind. A large pack of 12 women ran together through the first half in 15:19, but as the pace increased through the second half, the pack was gradually whittled down. Chemnung – who set a PB of 29:57 in Paris back in April – shook off the challenge of her last remaining opponent, Janeth Chepngetich, in the closing stages to win in 30:13. Chepngetich was second in 30:19 and fellow Kenyan Judy Kemboi was third in 30:29, all three recording negative splits. The men’s race played out in similar fashion as a pack of 12 men hit the half-way point in 13:38 before speeding up for the second half. Teenager Kinyanjui outkicked Amghar and Langat on the final straight to take victory in 27:08 with Amghar second (27:09) and Langat third (27:09). 2026Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam7 Nights 2027Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam4 Nights EurodamEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodam19 Nights 19 Nights  Panama Canal & Central AmericaPanama CanalLeaving from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) →+11 ports 2026Holland America LineKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdam4 Nights 4 Nights  Pacific CoastalCalifornia RetreatLeaving from: San Diego →+4 ports 2025Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam11 Nights 11 Nights  Mexican RivieraMexican Riviera & Pacific CoastLeaving from: San Diego →+6 ports 2026Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam18 Nights Mexican Riviera & Pacific CoastLeaving from: San Diego →+10 ports 2026Holland America LineEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodam26 Nights 26 Nights  Panama Canal & Central AmericaEastern Caribbean Explorer & Panama CanalLeaving from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) →+16 ports 2026Holland America Line.css-ad1o0y{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;height:-webkit-max-content;height:-moz-max-content;height:max-content;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}Cruise Critic FavoriteNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw Amsterdam14 Nights 14 Nights  Mexican RivieraBaja Peninsula And Classic California CoastLeaving from: San Diego →+8 ports 2025Holland America LineEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodam27 Nights 27 Nights  Panama Canal & Central AmericaEastern Caribbean Explorer & Panama CanalLeaving from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) →+17 ports 2026Holland America LineEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodam4 Nights 2026Holland America LineKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdam7 Nights 7 Nights  Pacific CoastalClassic California CoastLeaving from: San Diego →+4 ports 2026Holland America LineNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw Amsterdam25 Nights 25 Nights  HawaiiPacific Coastal & Circle Hawaii CollectorLeaving from: San Diego →+12 ports 2026Holland America LineEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodamEurodam20 Nights 20 Nights  Panama Canal & Central AmericaPanama Canal With History ChannelLeaving from: Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) →+12 ports This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. 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Nieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw Amsterdam18 Nights 17 Nights  HawaiiCircle Hawaii With History ChannelLeaving from: San Diego →+7 ports 29 Nights  HawaiiHistorical Baja Peninsula & Circle Hawaii HolidayLeaving from: San Diego →+15 ports 30 Nights  HawaiiCircle Hawaii & Sea Of CortezLeaving from: San Diego →+16 ports 2026Holland America LineKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdam17 Nights 17 Nights  HawaiiCircle HawaiiLeaving from: San Diego →+7 ports 2027Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam18 Nights 18 Nights  HawaiiCircle Hawaii HolidayLeaving from: San Diego →+7 ports 2026Holland America LineKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdam24 Nights 24 Nights  HawaiiMexico Riviera & Circle HawaiiLeaving from: San Diego →+11 ports 2027Holland America LineKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdam18 Nights 2027Holland America Line.css-ad1o0y{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;height:-webkit-max-content;height:-moz-max-content;height:max-content;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}KoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdamKoningsdam28 Nights Pacific Coastal & Circle HawaiiLeaving from: San Diego →+12 ports 2027Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam17 Nights 17 Nights  HawaiiCircle Hawaii With History ChannelLeaving from: San Diego →+6 ports 2025Holland America LineZaandamZaandamZaandamZaandam17 Nights 17 Nights  HawaiiCircle Hawaii HolidayLeaving from: San Diego →+6 ports 2025Holland America LineCruise Critic FavoriteNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw AmsterdamNieuw Amsterdam24 Nights A 17-year-old boy hit a police officer on the head with a hammer multiple times after robbing an electronics store in Zaandam on Tuesday. The cop needed medical treatment, but did not have to be admitted to the hospital, the police said The two boys robbed a store on Gedempte Gracht in Zaandam at around 2:00 p.m The 17-year-old from Zaandam and his young accomplice smashed display cases with a hammer and ran off with several phones Police officers in plainclothes were conducting an exercise in the area and saw the masked teenagers fleeing the scene A cop gave chase on foot and caught up to the older boy He vehemently resisted arrest and hit the cop on the head with the hammer several times The officer managed to keep hold of the boy until his colleagues arrived to arrest him A bystander caught the younger boy and handed him over to the police Both were arrested and taken to a police station for questioning The police returned the stolen phones to the shop “The police mainly hear how loved the victim was.” was found murdered in his home on Hogendijk in Zaandam during the early hours of Monday He had moved into his home only weeks earlier The police believe that William was killed during the early hours of Saturday he sent a text message indicating that he was with friends The police are still trying to figure out who these friends were and asked anyone with information to come forward William sometimes had paid sex with clients out of necessity using apps like Grindr for the purpose under his drag queen profile The police believe that William received at least one client in his Zaandam apartment that night and would like help in identifying them William’s iPhone and some cash were missing from his apartment The police haven’t been able to find the phone an iPhone 13 Pro Max in the Sierra Blue color The police would like to talk to anyone with information about where this device may be The LGBTQIA+ community and residents of the asylum shelter in Hoogeveen, Drenthe, are shocked by the death of 35-year-old William Caseres, also known as drag queen Alyssa. The refugee from Venezuela was found murdered in his home on Hogendijk in Zaandam during the early hours of Monday, January 20. An investigation into the motive is ongoing, police said Caseres fled to the Netherlands two years ago Venezuela isn’t known for its human rights and Caseres and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community systematically face discrimination His asylum application was approved in November he rented a room on Hogendijk in Zaandam a week before his murder Police said they were tipped off about a possible dead person in the home at 1:30 a.m A forensic investigation was launched from a mobile command center "The victim was Spanish and English speaking It is also known that the man regularly performed as a drag queen," police confirmed View this post on Instagram A post shared by Club chUrch (@clubchurch) “That is evident from how quickly he managed to build a network in the world He quickly became one of the best drag queens “He only received his refugee status two months ago and then this,” Kortekaas said to NH Nieuws The impact in the asylum center is enormous The police believe Caseres was murdered sometime between 8 p.m Investigators asked witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward In the meantime, a fundraiser was launched to provide assistance to Caseres's sister, which raised over 10,300 euros as of Tuesday afternoon. Organizers hope to help the woman fly from Colombia to the Netherlands so she can identify the body. His friends and colleagues also want to organize a memorial in Amsterdam on the victim's behalf. © 2012-2025, NL Times, All rights reserved. but that also means you'll find spacious inside and outside cabins with tons of storage and bathrooms with tubs a full wraparound promenade complete with teak deck chairs and cozy blankets and passengers can enjoy a truly relaxing vacation at sea whether for an afternoon game of cards or post-dinner drink Holland America Line generally appeals to a mature crowd especially with Zaandam's longer cruises who take advantage of the top-deck kids club the all-weather pool with retractable roof and variety of board games and puzzles in the Explorations Cafe The Pinnacle Grill is always one of our favorite specialty restaurants at sea and the main dining room is a pleasure at breakfast and fine (but not amazing) at dinner We were impressed with the variety and quality of offerings at the pool grill and the buffet even if we wished the latter were open longer hours Room service is mostly complimentary -- a nice touch If you're looking for nonstop activities or fast-paced nightlife, Zaandam is not the ship for you. You'll find more party bridge than late-night partying. Entertainment is not necessarily a strong point, but that may change in 2020 when the line's Music Walk venues are added to the ship afternoon tea and cooking demos; shuffleboard and table tennis are other popular pastimes but crew were always friendly and would greet us in the hallways Turn-down chocolates and towel animals remain a nightly ritual to look forward to Zaandam is a perfect choice for those who prefer low-key entertainment in spacious surroundings Holland America traditionally attracts one of cruising's more senior demographics with most passengers retired or semiretired You will find some families with children (mainly multigenerational) especially on shorter cruises during school breaks but you'll always find a variety of international cruisers a dressier look is requested: collared shirts and slacks for men Those wishing to avoid dressing up can eat at the Lido Market; note that Canaletto Restaurant men's tank tops and swimwear are not permitted in the main dining room or specialty restaurants For more information, visit Cruise Line Dress Codes: Holland America Automatic beverage and spa tips (15 percent for both) Dozens of people fell ill at a packed Zaandam bar early Sunday morning, prompting a full evacuation and emergency response. Authorities suspect tear gas may have been released, but the cause remains under investigation. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. at Café De Bonte Hen on the Dam, where about 100 people were attending a performance by DJ Sjorleone. Witnesses reported that several patrons began experiencing burning eyes and coughing fits as soon as a smoke machine was activated. Emergency services arrived quickly, sealing off part of the Dam with police tape. The fire department evacuated and ventilated the venue while conducting air quality tests. The results of those tests have not yet been disclosed. A hazardous materials advisor was also called to the scene. Ambulance personnel treated multiple individuals, and at least two were transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Visitors from the neighboring Café More were also temporarily evacuated as a precaution. By 3:30 a.m., both establishments were cleared for reopening, though De Bonte Hen remained closed for the rest of the night. Patrons were later allowed to return to retrieve their belongings. Go to Home PageSubscribeAdvertiser disclosureSearch The Points Guy you'll want to get on one of the biggest Holland America cruise ships The biggest Holland America cruise ships are the Holland America ships with the most onboard restaurants as well as the most choice in cabins and suites They also have the biggest spas and casinos among ships in the Holland America fleet Among the seven big cruise lines that account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans Holland America is known for a focus on relatively smaller vessels Holland America operates 11 cruise ships in all In addition to three vessels that hold 2,650 people at double occupany the line has eight smaller ships — some significantly smaller Holland America's two smallest vessels are designed to carry just 1,432 passengers apiece have less deck-top pool and lounge space and fewer interior venues than the biggest Holland America cruise ships The smallest Holland America cruise ships are best for vacationers who like a more intimate Related: The 4 classes of Holland America ships, explained To make sure that you end up on the right Holland America cruise ship for you it pays to study which Holland America ships are the biggest and which are the smallest before booking every Holland America ship currently in operation is ranked from biggest to smallest Maiden voyage: 2021Size: 99,863 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 2,650 Maiden voyage: 2018Size: 99,863 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 2,650 Maiden voyage: 2016Size: 99,863 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 2,650 Maiden voyage: 2010Size: 86,700 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 2,106 Maiden voyage: 2008Size: 86,273 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 2,104 Maiden voyage: 2006Size: 82,318 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 1,924 Maiden voyage: 2004Size: 82,305 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 1,916 Maiden voyage: 2003Size: 82,305 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 1,916 Maiden voyage: 2002Size: 82,305 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 1,916 Maiden voyage: 2000Size: 61,396 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 1,432 Maiden voyage: 1999Size: 61,214 gross tonsPassenger capacity: 1,432 The biggest Holland America cruise ship is the 2,650-passenger Rotterdam and its two older siblings the 2,650-passenger Nieuw Statendam and the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam All three vessels are the exact same size: 99,863 gross tons (Note that gross tons is a size measurement that takes into account the interior space of a ship and not its weight) In addition to being the biggest ships in the Holland America fleet are the newest ships in the Holland America fleet Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Holland America cruise in addition to a main restaurant and casual buffet the three Pinnacle Class ships have five separate specialty dining venues — everything from a pan-Asian eatery and an Italian restaurant to a steakhouse That's more than you'll find on other Holland America ships Pinnacle Class ships also have all of Holland America's signature entertainment venues — something that can't be said for the line's older vessels you'll find one of the line's signature live entertainment areas with a B.B King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues) Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock) Related: Holland America makes entertainment changes on some ships The Pinnacle Class ships also have spectacular state-of-the-art main theaters with push-out stages enveloped by two-story The theaters are home to all sorts of additional music The smallest Holland America cruise ship is the 1,432-passenger Volendam it's 39% smaller than Rotterdam and the two other Pinnacle Class vessels mentioned above Volendam has fewer features and amenities than most other Holland America ships — particularly the ships of the new Pinnacle Class and another recent group of vessels called the Signature Class Volendam appeals to cruisers looking for a more intimate cruise experience It also draws cruisers who care more about the destinations they visit on a cruise than onboard attractions Volendam is not just the smallest Holland America ship but the oldest Holland America ship Not for now. Holland America currently does not have a single ship on order. The brand is owned by Carnival Corporation, which has not ordered new ships for Holland America for several years as it focuses on paying down debt The company took on a huge amount of debt during the COVID-19 pandemic to stay in business The biggest Holland America cruise ships have room for more onboard venues and attractions than the line's older vessels they are a good choice for vacationers who like a bigger resort experience with lots of options for restaurants Holland America's smaller ships lack some of the features found on the bigger ships While Holland America's biggest Pinnacle Class ships can hold 2,650 passengers at double occupancy the line's two oldest vessels (known as the R Class ships) are only designed to carry 1,432 passengers at double occupancy the smallest Holland America ships are a good choice for vacationers who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it They are also often less expensive to sail on Related: Don't miss out on these Holland America loyalty perks Note that all Holland America ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Holland America cruise vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels. Planning a cruise? Start with these stories: The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach That’s why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality On March 22, Zaandam’s legendary Hemkade will set the stage for an extraordinary fusion of music, fashion, innovation and rebellion as internationally celebrated Dutch techno artist HADES presents “VILLAIN (All Night Long)” – an all-encompassing album and clothing line launch party in collaboration with hard techno event organiser Motionz and renowned fashion brand FERAL the iconic Netherlands venue will come alive with the raw energy and emotional depth of HADES marking the release of his highly anticipated new album and the unveiling of a cutting-edge collaboration with rebellious street-wear brand FERAL This promises to be more than just an event; rather a defining moment in electronic music culture where the boundaries of art sound and style collide in spectacular fashion HADES is a name synonymous with innovation in the electronic music scene he has forged a unique path by creating and popularizing the genre of Melodic Industrial Techno – a daring fusion of melancholic melodies and the unrelenting power of industrial beats With millions of streams and a loyal global fanbase HADES is more than an artist; he’s a movement His live performances are a masterclass in storytelling through sound blending raw emotional intensity with unrelenting rhythms that resonate deeply with audiences “VILLAIN (All Night Long)” promises to be an unforgettable showcase of this artistry as HADES takes the decks for an extended seven-hour set delivering a sonic journey that bridges the past present and future of his pioneering sound The All Night Long event coincides with the release of “VILLAIN” HADES’ most ambitious and extensive musical work to date the twenty-five track album is a bold statement of intent pushing the boundaries of Melodic Industrial Techno while exploring themes of rebellion Fans will get the first chance to experience the album in its entirety as HADES weaves its narrative live on stage Speaking about the upcoming album release HADES commented: “VILLAIN is an album that showcases dark and masterful sound design It’s built around the idea of either dying a hero or living long enough to see yourself become the villain” Adding another layer of excitement to the showcase the event will see HADES team up with FERAL a street-wear brand born on the dance floor and celebrated for its rebellious spirit FERAL is known for inspiring a new generation of boundary-pushers with its unapologetic designs meticulous craftsmanship and unmistakable style The partnership promises fresh silhouettes conceived through a shared vision pushing boundaries in both fashion and club culture With plans to broaden its range even further in the coming months it appears FERAL’s rapid rise has only just begun The collaboration represents a perfect alignment of visions: HADES’ defiant boundary-breaking music and FERAL’s daring fans will have the exclusive opportunity to explore and purchase pieces from this dynamic partnership which captures the spirit of those who refuse to conform “VILLAIN (All Night Long)” is not just another event—it’s the culmination of a cultural moment that celebrates the unrelenting spirit of techno and the individuals who dare to stand out Attendees will be part of an immersive experience where music and rebellion come together to create something truly unforgettable For tickets and more information, visit the official Eventix page here as demand is expected to be high for this event HADES is a ground-breaking force in electronic music emerging from Holland’s vibrant underground circuit to revolutionize the international techno scene By blending melancholic melodies with industrial intensity he has created and popularized the genre of Melodic Industrial Techno With millions of streams and a devoted global fanbase inspiring audiences with his raw emotional depth and relentless creativity One year is all it has taken for FERAL® to become a staple on dance floors worldwide with some calling it the “Gymshark of rave culture.” Founded by Harry Gordon and a collective of devoted ravers this Gen Z-driven label has struck a chord with those who crave designs that capture the energy of late-night sets Born from the late-night chaos of warehouse raves and global festivals defiant garments—fuelled by the team’s own unapologetic adventures—have quickly become the uniform of those who crave a raw rebellious edge in electronic music culture Motionz is a hard techno event series that fuses music and technology to create a truly unique experience Inspired by a vision for an alternate future Their mission is to build a strong and active community inspiring people by pushing the boundaries of imagination with creativity and freedom of expression at its core By offering a unique and memorable experience Motionz aims to inspire guests to think beyond the norm and embrace new ideas they honor the culture’s roots while paving the way for its future KIFFIX brings you new music news daily! See more news here it continues to shape the industry from its headquarters in Sweden pushing boundaries and fostering creativity worldwide Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube © Copyright of UFO Network 2024 – All Rights Reserved Built by Jacques Maurice Julie Showcase your company and products to over 500,000 online visitors View suppliers To proceed please sign up (free buyer account) or log in (if you already have an account) Your message and contact details will be sent directly to Olenex and will be answered at their discretion Around 300 asylum seekers were evacuated from the ship they were staying on in Zaandam due to a fire overnight but two residents and two security personnel were checked over by paramedics for smoke inhalation The Veiligheidsregio reported the fire at around 2:30 a.m which coordinates the region's emergency services The fire department responded in large numbers This is because of “the number of people staying there and for taking care of the people,” a spokesperson for the safety office told ANP Most of the residents could return to their rooms after a few hours Some couldn’t due to water damage that occurred while the fire was being extinguished a floating platform in the Zaandam quay that has room for 320 people (To submit an article idea or new product for consideration, click here.) This corresponds to about 30% of Ahold Delhaize’s total electricity usage in its European operations The project represents a key step within Ahold Delhaize’s Renewable Energy Program and contributes to the retail conglomerate’s wider 2040 strategy to achieve net-zero scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions across its own operations Construction on the plants is expected to begin before the end of the year This project will add 515 gigawatt-hours per year of new solar energy capacity to the grid equivalent to the annual electricity usage of 132,000 households Ahold Delhaize will contract about 90% of the cluster’s installed capacity and receive guarantees of origin (renewable energy certificates) for a period of 15 years “We are thrilled about the signing of this VPPA and the development of the solar plants in Seville CFO of Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia “It marks a significant step in our Renewable Energy Program generating our own renewable energy and sourcing green energy It underscores our ambition to achieve our 2040 scope 1 and 2 net-zero commitment All of our great local brands in Europe are on a clear path to delivering on our climate agenda.” Added Paulette van Ommen, director Health and Sustainability at Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia: “With this commitment, we will add new renewable electricity to the European grid. This solar project is a shining example of how we bring our Growing Together purpose and strategy to life and shows how we can leverage our scale to launch an impactful initiative across European brands.”  When Ahold Delhaize embarked on its net-zero journey electricity was its largest source of scope 1 and 2 emissions the Renewable Energy Program has reduced emissions from electric energy in its European operations by two-thirds The Seville project will further support the company’s scope 1 and 2 net-zero agenda according to which it plans to reduce electricity emissions to zero by 2035 Ahold Delhaize first looks at lowering energy usage by implementing energy efficiency measures across all its local brands it aims to generate as much green energy itself as possible through such methods as installing solar panels on the roofs of stores it aims to sustainably source the remainder of its electricity consumption through PPAs Dutch Ahold Delhaize brand Albert Heijn revealed a direct PPA with Eneco for the construction of the Ecowende wind park in the North Sea.  President of Holland America Line berates countries refusing to help passengers trapped onboard two ships amid coronavirus crisis The operator of a coronavirus-stricken cruise liner has warned that more people could die at sea unless its vessels are allowed to dock accusing governments of “turning their backs” on thousands of people stranded at sea during the global pandemic called for a port to show “compassion and grace” by allowing passengers on the Zaandam cruise liner and its sister ship eight people have tested positive for Covid-19 and about 200 people are ill with flu-like symptoms on the Zaandam American and Australian holidaymakers on board Both ships are travelling towards Florida but on Monday, governor Ron DeSantis said passengers cannot be “dumped” in his state and cast further doubt over whether ships would be allowed to dock dismissing those on board as mostly “foreigners” A meeting of Broward county commissioners will take place on Tuesday to discuss whether the vessels should be allowed into port in Fort Lauderdale Several Latin American countries closed their ports to the Zaandam as the coronavirus outbreak developed on board and they refused emergency requests to medically evacuate critically ill patients, according to Ashford. Read more“We are dealing with a ‘not my problem’ syndrome consistently generous and helpful in the face of human suffering shut itself off to Zaandam leaving her to fend for herself “Already four guests have passed away and I fear other lives are at risk 76 guests and 117 crew on Zaandam have influenza-like illness including eight people who have tested positive for Covid-19,” it continued “The Covid-19 situation is one of the most urgent tests of our common humanity To slam the door in the face of these people betrays our deepest human values.” Passengers and crew on board in contact with the Guardian are increasingly concerned for their safety 228 British nationals and 116 Australians between both ships When passengers boarded the MS Zaandam in March 2020 they were preparing for the holiday of a lifetime Within days they would be confined to their rooms on a liner that no country would let dock On the five-hour drive to the docks of Buenos Aires Claudia Osiani thought hard: do I board the cruise ship or cancel my birthday voyage she discussed the recent spate of deadly virus outbreaks on cruise ships in Japan and California “This cruise is different; it will be packed with locals,” Juan reassured her He had sacrificed so much to provide Claudia with this fantasy of a 14-day voyage through the wilds of South America and she loved him too much to let on that she was petrified at the thought of embarking and the first wave of the Covid-19 virus was spreading not only in Wuhan cases totalled 273; in Argentina there were fewer than a dozen and it felt like a northern hemisphere issue “We’re going so far south,” Claudia told Juan in the car “It’s going to be a bunch of Argentinians on that ship the Dutch-flagged vessel had the feel of an ocean liner of a bygone age She was steeped in the nearly 150-year history of the Holland America Line for decades the industry leader in service and style and known in its marketing materials as “the Spotless Fleet” Claudia and Juan had been together for 42 years Claudia was a stickler for detail and liked to swim and cycle England; his father was from the Netherlands raising three children who’d given them nine grandchildren they found that almost none of the passengers came from Argentina or South America Their hopes of cruising with people from countries spared by this new deadly virus vanished As more than 1,200 guests and almost 600 crew settled in the Zaandam became a buzzing community that included 10 decks a library and a performance hall with a capacity for 500 As last-minute preparations to leave were made members of an a cappella choir belted out tunes and a team of massage therapists were busy kneading away knots from the stress of life onshore Few passengers were monitoring the news channels that would have alerted them that on 8 March 2020 just 48 minutes before the Zaandam’s departure the US state department posted a warning that was as unambiguous as it was unprecedented: “American citizens The cruise was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit the strait of Magellan, navigate the Beagle Channel, follow Darwin’s route, and then cruise up the west coast of South America for an excursion to relive the excitement of Hiram Bingham’s 1911 “discovery” of Machu Picchu They would end with a passage through the Panama Canal island hop in the Caribbean and then disembark at Fort Lauderdale the quartermasters went over the stores for the long trip To feed all passengers and crew on a ship like the Zaandam for a long cruise typically required 60,000 kilos of vegetables In addition to these carefully itemised supplies another traveller was aboard the ship – a deadly stowaway probably hiding in the lungs of a passenger or a crew member In the run-up to the Zaandam’s departure from Buenos Aires Holland America medical experts had dispatched advice on how to protect against coronavirus Dr Grant Tarling delivered updates in cheery three- to five-minute videos posted on corporate websites “Given recent events and general inquiries we have received about travellers’ health,” said Tarling looking into the camera in one video released in late February “you may want to bring your own thermometer.” Tarling also demonstrated the correct position to sneeze do it into a tissue or your bent elbow.” His third piece of advice was: “Buy travel insurance.” The doctor suggested passengers read the insurance coverage closely to “make sure it is the kind ‘cancel for any reason’ and covers many unexpected travel situations when hundreds were infected and at least nine people died I can see these people are sick – anybody can if there is a pandemic all around?” she asked Claudia urged the staff to take precautions she saw evidence of Carnival Corporation’s efforts to fulfil its brand slogan In the tight crew quarters far closer to the waterline Some told their supervisors; others soldiered on He and the rest of his crew were working nonstop in the sweltering confines of the ship’s cramped laundry rooms More passengers and crew were spending more and more time in their cabins which translated into piles of soiled sheets fear was ruining the voyage for Claudia and Juan nervous locals had protested over the ship’s arrival worried they might bring the virus to the remote Chilean city of Punta Arenas they drank tea in the dining room and avoided crowds They were sitting near the sweeping main staircase – the one that always reminded Claudia of the one aboard the Titanic – when an announcement startled them This is your captain speaking from the bridge with an important announcement,” Captain Ane Smit began “I ask that everyone please listen closely.” The news was grim An influenza-like respiratory virus had sickened many passengers we must ask that you return to your staterooms as soon as you are done with lunch,” the captain continued we are going to have to ask you to remain.” Many cabins had less space than a one-car garage nervously staring out of a salt-streaked porthole Relying on her experience as a psychologist Claudia Osiani at home in Argentina Photograph: Alejandro Kirchuk/The GuardianInstead of a comfortable crash pad for naps between happy hours and city tours Claudia heard the sudden cry “Foooooooooood!” then the clanking of a delivery cart as it was wheeled down the hall she switched to shower gel for the glasses and edges of the tray which she gingerly brought to the side of the bed Claudia and Juan eyed the food with suspicion Juan and Claudia were supposed to be disembarking in three days – their original itinerary was nearly over – but now all schedules had been shredded passengers rang and insisted on special services; Widarto made a point of going to their cabins to personally change their sheets or exchange towels one after another of Widarto’s staff members fell ill which meant he and the remaining members of staff had to work even harder and that drove him to work harder at times like these Widarto explained that he’d gone to the medical centre but all they had to offer him was paracetamol Widarto wore a mask and gloves when he could but was that enough to protect against any virus left on sheets and pillowcases Rumours flew about that Widarto had removed sheets from the bed of a guest so sickened that he was unable to walk and was transported to the medical centre in a wheelchair sweltering workspace seemed to amplify the coughs A couple of housekeeping staff had reported to the sick bay and returned with no more than a paracetamol and a bottle of cough syrup Widarto was subdued as he confessed to a friend: “I can’t taste anything.” As the Zaandam steamed north up the west coast of South America country after country announced ever more strict precautions to protect their populations None would take the chance of letting a cruise ship dock despite intense efforts by the cruise line and diplomats to gain safe harbour The crisis was growing by the day; an international pandemic – the first in a century – was declared the crew and passengers aboard the Zaandam were shunned No one knew much about the new Covid virus but cruise ships were assumed to be giant incubators a South African gynaecologist who was the chief medic on the Zaandam oversaw a sparse medical staff in the bow end of one of the lower decks there was a reception and two examination rooms The medical centre had surgical tools and medicine at the ready for emergency procedures Medical staff were experienced in treating life-threatening illnesses far from land: fatal heart attacks and falls were common among the older passengers But when patients were in a grave condition the ship would typically rush to port and unload the stricken individual the infirmary was awash with coughing passengers and ill crew members who lined up in the corridor Some looked as if they might topple over at any moment Passengers and crew also crowded inside the tiny reception area The two doctors and four nurses worked valiantly but were overwhelmed As the outbreak spread through the locked-down ship, family members of those trapped aboard launched social media campaigns to rescue their loved ones. They created a Facebook page and hundreds joined to share what they knew and timelines were flooded with pleas for help A newlywed Mexican couple on their honeymoon created a WhatsApp group vaguely luxurious floating prisonWith no chance to escape Claudia returned to a familiar role: caretaking She rang her friends on board and cheerfully chatted about the sun Her top priority was an elderly couple who were relying on sleeping pills to cope with the stress of lockdown people tended to self-medicate with whatever was at hand: booze or Claudia was able to help put their minds at ease by calling over the ship’s phone with soothing detailed descriptions of scenes outside the cabin window in what she dubbed “weather therapy” A TV channel featured a live camera shot from the bow of the Zaandam displaying the open ocean in a wide-angle panorama Rather than bringing calm and tranquillity the live feed further emphasised to Claudia that they were ploughing the seas She felt as if she were incarcerated in some kind of surreal Dr Hall diagnosed bacterial pneumonia brought on by an unknown viral infection Hall threaded a tube into his lungs and connected him to a ventilator and the ventilator was going through the supply rapidly Hall knew that a flood of elderly patients with respiratory issues would necessitate far more oxygen There was no doubt that Carter had to have it They issued a plea on her behalf: “She is obviously distressed and extremely frightened … she is struggling … and feeling unwell.” Wiwit Widarto Photograph: courtesy of Anny DokoBelow decks Widarto was trying to find the strength to call Anny at their home in Batam He now felt too sick to work in the stifling heat He put on the best face he could for Anny as he called via WhatsApp Widarto confessed that his fever was rising He thought the limited stocks of medicine were reserved for the ill passengers and was relying on home remedies Then he interrupted the conversation: he had to go I can’t afford to do that,” Widarto finally responded the Zaandam sailed further north up the coast of South America; a flurry of diplomatic notes whizzed back and forth as US French and British diplomats pressed the government of Ecuador to let the passengers get off Thanks to a policy of hiring former navy admirals and coastguard commanders the Holland America leadership worked smoothly with the diplomats – on many issues they spoke the same language But even if the Zaandam obtained clearance to let passengers disembark there was no assurance that Holland America could win permission to fly them home as gov’t has shut down movement and borders,” wrote a US diplomat in an email “The governor of Guayaquil has been very active in denying entry.” Emergency medical flights were in short supply everywhere Wealthy individuals around the world with the means to pay $25,000 or $200,000 for a private escape had booked jets helicopters and yachts for a swift retreat from the virus Holland America had the cash to secure these flights but what would be the use if the plane couldn’t land Hundreds left the ship, but a cheerful receptionist told Claudia: ‘Sorry, you will not be disembarking’Navigators aboard the Zaandam, helped by Holland America executives onshore, began charting multiple options – would they be allowed through the Panama Canal Should they head to a US port in San Diego But the reality was clear: they were on a voyage to nowhere Passengers largely obeyed the lockdown orders small groups would be ushered out for 15 minutes of fresh air but seeing crew members in masks just added to the sense of danger but the number of little red stickers placed on the doors of those thought to have Covid marked the spread As the ship anchored off the coast of Panama Carnival Corporation had ordered the Zaandam’s sister ship the Rotterdam to rush down from Mexico It carried essential crew and was empty of passengers The plan was to dilute the problem by moving healthy passengers off the Zaandam and on to the Rotterdam Additional medical supplies and personnel and support crew could also be brought aboard what was now dubbed by the media “The Pariah Ship” Claudia was praying that she and Juan would be allowed to transfer when she heard a knock She opened the door and a crew member wearing a gown gloves and a face mask delivered the good news: they were among the roughly 800 passengers cleared to leave They gathered their suitcases and sat down in a small transfer boat known as a tender Claudia was elated to be leaving; she knew she was lucky Now they were on a circuitous but hopeful path back to their home in Argentina the raging outbreak had struck down scores of crew and passengers Captain Smit took to the airwaves again – this time with the grim news that four passengers had died Another man had collapsed on his way to the bathroom and died on the floor unable to breathe as his lungs were destroyed by Covid Medical personnel were swamped by calls and overworked As the Zaandam headed for Florida mixed signals from the Trump administration stymied attempts by Holland America to find a way to get several dozen people in desperate need of medical care off the ships It took endless rounds of negotiations between the cruise line the White House and diplomats from a dozen countries to finally develop an evacuation protocol that was acceptable to all Baggage handlers unload suitcases from the Zaandam in Florida Photograph: Abaca Press/AlamyOn 2 April 2020 a fleet of buses lined up on the docks of Port Everglades in Florida and most passengers from both the Zaandam and Rotterdam were allowed to disembark One of the first people evacuated from the Zaandam was Widarto the virus destroying his lungs; he badly needed ICU care Within minutes, they moved Widarto down the gangway and into an ambulance. The ambulance sped off. A medical team at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale was waiting for him But doctors were not optimistic: in a video call they told Anny that her husband was losing the battle and that nothing they had done was stopping that deadly process the doctors could only revive him with the defibrillator gambling that they could shock life back into his body But that procedure could have devastating consequences the doctor warned; he could end up paralysed Anny had to make a choice: did she want him resuscitated She talked it over with her family and they agreed he would be alive.” Anny was only able to see him on a video call before he died Two dozen passengers were medically evacuated but hundreds more were deemed fit for travel Bundled on to buses and dumped at airport terminals they then crisscrossed the country and the world Although hundreds of passengers had walked off both the Zaandam and the Rotterdam Claudia and Juan were told they could not disembark Claudia waited for a few hours and then called reception It took a moment to unravel what was happening but you will not be disembarking,” the receptionist announced cheerfully “There was a problem with your flight to Argentina We need you to stay on the ship a little while longer Day after day, the two ships sailed in what pilots call “doughnut patterns” as crew and approximately nine passengers remained locked down. With the help of the cruise line, Claudia was untangling the logistics of organising a flight back to Argentina when the captain’s voice sounded loudly over the ship’s public intercom. He appeared to be giving orders exclusively to the crew. To Claudia, it felt as if they didn’t exist; that they were ghosts on a ghost ship. “Personnel will now move to deck two,” the captain declared. Or that’s what Claudia thought he had said. “Deck two, Juan? That’s us, right?” Soon, a powerful chemical smell wafted into their cabin. A pungent disinfectant stench burned the back of her throat, making her wince. Claudia grabbed a face mask and burst out of the cabin, desperate to breathe fresh air. With Juan, she ran to an exit. Outside, the sun blinded them momentarily. Claudia fell to the deck, gasping for air. Claudia spotted a surveillance camera and ran toward the tiny lens, screaming in Spanish for help. Soon, one of the ship’s officers arrived. Claudia scolded him for accidentally trying to poison them as they disinfected the ship. At first the officer didn’t understand her machine-gun Spanish, but eventually they were transferred to a new room with a private balcony. Despite the upgrade, they felt like orphans, forgotten on an empty cruise ship, with no sign of liberation. As she entered her second month at sea, Claudia was still in lockdown, and as furious as ever. For another three weeks, they circled the Caribbean waiting for the plane to fly them home. Claudia knew that her years as a psychologist provided exactly the emotional toolkit she would need to endure this confinement. I can’t cry and throw a tantrum like a child, she thought. What surprised her, however, was how hard it was to apply her skills to a new patient: herself. Read moreHelp came in the form of her 80-year-old neighbour and bellowed to the ocean: “Toooooooday .. Let’s nail it!” Sometimes Claudia joined in the screaming the Argentinian government resolved the logistics and arranged for charters and sanitation “bubbles” that could safely bring Claudia and Juan seven weeks after Claudia and Juan boarded what was supposed to be a two-week celebratory cruise a representative of Holland America Line said: “As the world’s knowledge of Covid-19 evolved over time Holland America Line aligned with guidelines from the CDC the World Health Organization and other local health authorities.” They said of the stories in this article: “While some claims do not match the recollection of our team members who were there that should not diminish the importance of the story of Zaandam and people in all walks of life who dealt with the devastating first weeks of a mysterious virus and we are thankful for those who helped bring our full fleet back to sailing today with a continued strong commitment to health and safety.” When Claudia arrived at the door to her seaside apartment in Mar del Plata the country was enduring the full brunt of the viral onslaught The official death toll stood at roughly 200 Her favourite routines were prohibited under lockdown Claudia and Juan had carefully selected an apartment with an ocean view Their living-room windows framed a wide slice of the Atlantic Her panorama now felt like a mocking reminder she couldn’t escape the sensation that she was on the balcony of a cruise ship After one brief glance into the expanse of the waves Claudia drew the curtain and told herself: “That’s enough ocean view for the moment.” Cabin Fever by Michael Smith and Jonathan Franklin is out on 14 July (Octopus Publishing Group). To support The Guardian and Observer, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com The police found two men dead in a canal in Krommenie on Sunday afternoon The body of another person washed up on the beach between Castricum and Heemskerk The police are also investigating the death of a man in Zaandan last week Sunday The police responded to the Noordervaartdijk in Krommenie at around 1:10 p.m after receiving a report of people in the water They quickly located the bodies of two men Investigation showed that no crime had been committed “We wish their loved ones a lot of strength,” the Noord-Holland police said on X Passersby found the body of another person on the beach between Castricum and Heemskerk on Monday morning. The body was found between markers 46 and 48. The police are investigating and trying to identify the person, NH reported The police are also investigating the death of a 61-year-old man in Zaandam on Sunday Passersby found the man unwell on the street on Hof van Blois between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m “The victim appeared to have serious injuries,” the police said. “Due to the suspicion of a possible crime, the police were called in.” Investigators asked witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward. Dinners in the main dining room were fine but not rave-worthy though we appreciated the expansive breakfast menu and peaceful ambiance The Pinnacle Grill is a wonderful dinner experience no matter your dietary restrictions; its pop-up Sel de Mer we didn't find worth the price and the Italian Canaletto was fine but nothing special daily sushi and multiple made-to-order egg/crepe/waffle stations -- plus a popular ice cream sundae bar with extended hours The pool grill has interesting options and the best fries onboard Room service is almost entirely free of charge Our biggest complaint was that we wished the buffet were open longer hours; it always seemed to close just as we got there This isn't actually a problem unless you're a late diner or have a late tour The Dining Room (Decks 4 and 5)Meals: Breakfast (B) Zaandam's two-story main dining room is located at the very back of the ship with views of the ship's wake The upper level is reserved for passengers with set-seating dining at roughly 5:15/5:30 p.m based on passenger patterns on different itineraries.) The lower level is for flexible dining and passengers can arrive anytime between 5 and 9 p.m These diners can choose to make reservations in advance or walk in when hungry One section of Deck 4 is reserved for Club Orange members (suite passengers and those who pay for the priority program) These passengers have a special check-in line and receive one exclusive entree option each evening pancakes/waffles and egg dishes and also more interesting options such as an Indian aloo masala and egg bhurji and banana bread French toast Darjeeling) and present a three-tiered tray with finger sandwiches petits fours and scones already dotted with cream and jam but a few favorite starters and entrees are always available you can enjoy a broiled whole lobster ($25) or a 36-oz but Zaandam offers a separate vegetarian menu (simply request it from your waiter) and an Indian menu (with both meat and vegetarian options but you must place your order 24 hours in advance) The Indian food we tried was delicious and a bit more flavorful than many of the regular menu entrees so you can eat three courses and not feel overly stuffed A cheese plate and ice cream are always available The Lido Market is Zaandam's buffet venue which can be frustrating when your eating schedule is thrown off by a late morning or a late tour The ice cream bar stays open through the afternoon and there's often midday snacks (sandwiches and sweets -- the cookies are dangerously good on this ship) set out next to the ice cream station One water/coffee station is open round the clock A station system cuts down on lines; however the majority of stations are no longer self-serve which can increase wait times for things like salad Note that while port and starboard serving lines are mostly identical you'll find a poached egg station on one side and a crepe/waffle station on the other it's Asian (with sushi) versus Italian and pasta Breakfast offers a nice mix of hot and cold items and separate stations for scrambled/fried eggs omelettes and poached eggs/eggs Benedict to cut down wait times you'll find the aforementioned Italian and Asian plus a station with premade and made-to-order sandwiches a selection of hot entrees and sides and dessert the buffet has shorter opening hours and closes earlier (8 p.m.) than the dining room Late-night snacks are offered 10:30 to 11:30 p.m Dive-In is the place to order a variety of burgers as well as grilled chicken or portobello mushroom sandwiches it became a poutine bar.) Dive-In has extended lunch hours (11:30 a.m to 5 p.m.) and is a good option for grabbing a quick meal when your shore excursion departs midday or returns late with only a couple of breakfast items delivered for a fee (free to suite and Club Orange members) The mainly continental breakfast also offers some egg dishes and can be ordered via a card you hang on your door the night before a couple of hot entrees and desserts; a shortened version of that menu is available from 11 p.m mac 'n' cheese and chicken strips Zaandam's Pinnacle Grill (Deck 4) is the ship's nicest dining venue It's a steak and seafood restaurant with a Pacific Northwest theme serving "responsibly raised" beef from Washington's Double R Ranch and fish from Alaska it offers lunch from a smaller menu with a reduced price tag The main dinner menu is divided into appetizers with entrees further divided into seafood (Alaskan king crab or salmon) cuts) and chops and classics (which covers nonsteak meats and poultry and vegetarian options) Sides are ordered separately and are served to share Don't miss the highlighted dishes by Culinary Council member Chef David Burke in all categories from appetizer to dessert; they are more creative An additional entree will cost $15; adding a lobster tail to your steak order to make surf 'n' turf is an additional $10 Kids 12 and under pay half price; meals are free if they order off the regular kids' menu Vegetarians and gluten-free diners can be accommodated a French seafood dining experience from Holland America's Master Chef Rudi Sodamin If you're a foodie and want to indulge plan to make this dinner the star attraction of your evening; meals take close to three hours you're better off saving your money and booking your date night at the regular Pinnacle Grill While you'll want to get the most for your money and it's almost distressing how much food you'll leave on your plates The appetizer course offers a beautifully presented seafood tower and the biggest escargot we've ever seen but you can also pay an additional $25 for a massive plate of fruits de mer (best shared among a large table) duck and an enormous vegetarian goat cheese souffle The broiled Maine lobster was the only reasonable-sized portion we saw with truffled mashed potatoes and ratatouille getting good reviews Don't miss the beautifully presented tree of truffles and strawberries that comes with every meal Other desserts include crepes Suzette and Rudi's vanilla and berry souffle Zaandam's Italian specialty restaurant because it occupies one corner of the Lido Marketplace The location isn't especially atmospheric but it's a not-too-expensive alternative when you're looking for a different dining experience one night such as veal saltimbocca or chicken parmigiana Small plates include veal polpettine and mozzarella di bufala while large plates cover your pasta and meat dishes Desserts are typical Italian treats like tiramisu and gelato Canaletto's signature drink is a refreshing aperol spritz We weren't particularly wowed by our meal Four elderly passengers on board Holland America's MS Zaandam have died on the cruise ship that is stuck in limbo during the coronavirus pandemic The ship is currently carrying 138 people who have complained of flu-like symptoms Two people have tested positive for coronavirus "Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and we are doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time," Holland America Line said of the four who had died of undisclosed causes in a statement shared by spokesperson Erik Elvejord Elvejord added that Holland America Line couldn't share whether those passengers had reported coronavirus symptoms due to privacy regulations Those on the ship who are sick include 53 passengers and 85 crew members There are 1,243 passengers and 586 crew members on the ship The ship did not have coronavirus tests available on board until Thursday evening when it rendezvoused with Holland America's MS Rotterdam for additional supplies and medical personnel On board the Zaandam there are four doctors and four nurses and the Rotterdam is carrying two doctors and four nurses The two ships received permission to anchor off the coast of Panama to meet and transfer supplies and passengers the plan for disembarkation is not yet finalized "While the onward plan for both ships is still being finalized we continue to work with the Panamanian authorities on approval to transit the Panama Canal for sailing to Fort Lauderdale announced March 13 it would suspend cruise operations for at least 30 days and end its cruises in progress But cruise ships that were at sea at the time were stuck on the water They have been denied ports and scrambled to get passengers disembarked amid the coronavirus pandemic an unspecified number of patients with "respiratory symptoms" on board the Zaandam were tested for COVID-19 Flu and respiratory symptoms and coronavirus symptoms are similar so the cruise line told passengers to stay in their staterooms on Sunday Passengers will be separated based on their condition between the two ships "Today we announced a plan to transfer groups of healthy Zaandam guests to Rotterdam with strict protocols for this process developed in conjunction with the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)," Holland America's statement said "Only those who have not been ill will be moved and health screenings will be conducted before transferring." A possible reason for dividing the passengers became clearer late Friday Holland America said the Zaandam arrived in Panamanian waters on Friday and has since been following the protocol of Panama's Ministry of Health which states that if a vessel has individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 on board it cannot make any port operations or transit the Canal The healthy passengers transferred to the Rotterdam would likely be able to transit the Panama Canal and continue their journey back to the U.S What's the protocol in a health emergency on a cruise ship According Cruise Lines International Association member ships of the trade group meet health guidelines that include: The ability to provide "reasonable" emergency care for passengers and crew members The ability to stabilize patients and begin "reasonable diagnostic and therapeutic intervention." The ability to facilitate the evacuation of sick or injured passengers or crew members when "deemed necessary" by the ship's physician strategic communications director for CLIA COMPLETE COVERAGE | Coronavirus in Florida USA TODAY has reached out to Holland America Line about the cruise line's protocol for dealing with critical illness on board "As you can imagine ships don’t have a very sophisticated high level to deliver intensive care to more than a couple of people at a time," Jeffrey Ment "You can have a bad outcome that’s not the doctor's fault," he explained "Or you can have a bad outcome they're completely liable for." All cruise ships are required to have a morgue on board – though they are generally very small according to cruise publication Cruise Critic Each can hold between three and six bodies which can be kept in the ship's morgue for about one week Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require that any ships that make port calls or have a home port in the United States report any death on board immediately a passenger on the Zaandam from Maineville was waiting on Friday afternoon for a medical team to visit her cabin and give her a check up to see if she and her husband Rob would be among the healthy group able to transfer to the Rotterdam "I went to the medical center nine days ago because of the sinus infection and a cough," she said adding she completed two rounds of antibiotics for the infection Rob had also reported a cold to the medical center.She was feeling a bit nervous that she would not be allowed to transfer because of her visit to the center the news came: they did not pass the health screening Neither had a fever at the time of the screening and neither was asked to take a test for COVID-19 "I am kind of depressed about this," she said "I had hoped that we could go and that the ship would be clear to disembark Holland America informed passengers of the deaths on board on Friday morning Passengers over 70 will be transferred to the Rotterdam first and quarantine will continue on board both ships until disembarkation Anyone who has come in contact with an ill person will also remain on the Zaandam All on board were provided with face masks when the ships met No one has been off the ship since March 14 when it was in Punta Arenas As for how the Holland America team has handled the possibility of COVID-19 spreading on board Andrea said her assessment was they have gone "above and beyond" and taken every precaution "They really did everything possible," she said And while she was upset that she and Rob were not allowed to transfer to the Rotterdam she understood why and thought it was a fair decision uncertainty more than fear is causing her stress: Where and when will they get off the ship The questions don't stop with disembarkation How she and Rob can get home remains up in the air as does whether or not they'll need an additional quarantine period This content is being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. Please support local journalism by subscribing to the Times-Union/jacksonville.com The Zaandam began its South American voyage from Buenos Aires on March 7 and was originally scheduled to end the sailing in San Antonio at the end of last week and has food and fuel for the remainder of the ship's intended journey to the U.S. Holland America Line is offering complimentary counseling services over the phone through a crisis management service for passengers and crew members Leonard C. Lindsay and Carl E.W. Zehner were vacationing on Holland America Line's MS Zaandam at the end of March when coronavirus ravaged the ship beginning a multiple-week saga as the ship attempted to bring its passengers home Lindsay and Zehner are the lead plaintiffs in a class-action suit representing more than 1,000 Zaandam passengers against Holland America Line and its parent company  according to a copy of the complaint “This cruise was a life-threatening nightmare," Kenny Byrd of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP one of the lawyers representing Lindsay and Zehner, told USA TODAY they seek more than monetary compensation for the former Zaandam passengers The suit would also require Holland America and Carnival Corp The complaint includes an injunction that going forward requires the defendants to do the following: and Holland America were negligent in failing to take action to safeguard against and mitigate the risk of infection of coronavirus to their passengers after the company became aware that the virus had spread on several Carnival-owned ships, including Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess and Grand Princess.  a serious new illness with sustained transmission throughout the world.) “Carnival and Holland were well aware that COVID-19 was spreading like wildfire throughout its ships Zehner along with hundreds of other passengers suffered the consequences," Byrd said. "They bring this action on behalf of all passengers who want to see Carnival held accountable and reform how it protects those who vacation on their vessels.” Carnival Corp. is being investigated by Congress for its handling of the coronavirus onboard its ships The Zaandam began its South American voyage from Buenos Aires on March 7 and was originally scheduled to end sailing in San Antonio On March 13, Holland America Line, along with major cruise lines worldwide, announced it would suspend cruise operations for at least 30 days after the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a global pandemic the Zaandam attempted to port in Argentina and was rejected they tried to return to a port where it previously stopped, Punta Arenas The ship was denied and continued on aimlessly after passengers learned the remainder of their voyage was canceled March 15 Between the Zaandam and Rotterdam, a total of 107 passengers and 143 crew members had presented flulike symptoms since March 22 according to a Holland America statement provided to USA TODAY by spokesperson Sally Andrews Symptoms of the flu and COVID-19, such as a fever and a dry cough In Port Everglades, passengers onboard were split into three groups: The 1,200 asymptomatic who were to disembark after a health screening; the 26 symptomatic who were to be required to stay onboard; and 14 who needed critical care (13 passengers one crew member) who were to be taken off the ship and placed into the care of the local health care system. The remaining crew were also to stay on board were part of the symptomatic group who remained on the Zaandam who eventually tested positive for coronavirus, had to be airlifted off the ship on April 5 after an Orlando hospital agreed to accept him as a patient. He remained on a ventilator for about three weeks As of Wednesday, after a couple fo facility transfers and a release home Lindsay remained on board until April 9 and was not tested for coronavirus while on the ship While 250 people in total exhibited flulike symptoms onboard the Zaandam and Rotterdam Holland America could not provide a count of how many people tested positive for coronavirus "We do not have sufficient information to answer this question," Erik Elvejord told USA TODAY Wednesday. "10 (nine guests and one crew) positive tests were conducted on board using a point of care serology rapid test but these are not an approved method of confirming COVID-19 cases Holland America Line took precautionary action immediately and implemented procedures developed in conjunction with the CDC During the period of Zaandam's limbo, four people died, and a Zaandam crew member taken to a hospital on April 3 died April 8.  Two of the four deaths onboard the Zaandam have been blamed on COVID-19, the cruise line said in April Elvejord could not confirm whether all four deaths were caused by COVID-19.  Upwards of 9 million people across the globe have tested positive for coronavirus and nearly 480,000 had died by Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins data police seek witnessesInvestigation into death of William Caceres Marcano police seek witnessesLast modified on:13 March 2025Place name:ZaandamWilliam Caceres Marcano was found dead in a residence on the Hogendijk in Zaandam on the night of Sunday The police believes that William Caceres Marcano died as a result of a crime The investigators would like to get in touch with people who saw or spoke to him between Friday night Victim William Caceres Marcano is from Venezuela and had recently obtained the Dutch residency status He only recently moved into the house on the Hogendijk in Zaandam He was known and loved in the LGBTIQ+ community and had many contacts there Investigation A special research team is investigating the death of William Caceres Marcano The investigative team is examining several scenarios Whether William's sexual orientation or work caused his death is being investigated Detectives are asking people who know more about the possible backgrounds of his death to report to police Sharing information Can you assist the detectives further in the investigation Have you seen or spoken to William Caceres Marcano/Alyssa between Friday night please contact the Investigation Hotline at 0800-6070 or use the tip form below please call Meld Misdaad Anoniem: 0800-7000 or complete the tip form anonymously at www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl You can also call the special LGBTQI+ team Pink in Blue: 088 - 1691 234 Pink in Blue Pink in Blue is the national network of the police This special network of police officers offer a listening ear mediate and support those who wish to report or report LGBTQI+-related incidents Would you like to speak to someone from Pink in Blue Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an “incident” in the ship's engineering space The unidentified crew members died Friday while the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam was at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas Authorities were notified and the cause of the accident is being investigated Crew members were being offered counseling “All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time,” the statement said security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority.” The cruise line did not offer any further details about the crew members It later said the Bahamas Maritime Authority was leading the investigation The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip In the document outlining the repatriation plan for the Zaandam and the Rotterdam it was noted that 10 Zaandam passengers and three Rotterdam passengers have been "hospitalized onboard with need for shoreside care." Florida's Broward Health Medical Center "has agreed to accept 10 patients," while Larkin Community Hospital accepted four patients Those 14 critical patients "with severe illness and critical care needs" will be transported to those hospitals via One Call Medical Transport Holland America said priority was given today "to those who need immediate care at local health system partners who have approved their arrival." "Disembarkation is expected to be completed by tomorrow evening," Holland America said in its statement buses will transport "fit-to-travel guests" from Port Everglades to the airport "The majority will leave on charter flights," the statement said "Local Florida residents will return home immediately via private car." Of the 1250 passengers on board both ships The guests onboard the Zaandam and Rotterdam have not been on land since March 14 Passengers have been self-isolating in their staterooms since March 22 Holland America said that symptomatic passengers will stay on the ship with medical staffers They will be allowed to "disembark at a later date to be finalized after they have fully recovered and meet the CDC guidelines for being fit to travel." "No crew from either ship will disembark in Fort Lauderdale," Holland America said in its statement Holland America thanked United States President Donald Trump who advocated for the ships to dock in Florida the Broward County Board of County Commissioners Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry and "all governmental and embassy authorities who helped to resolve this situation and get our nearly 1,200 guests home." "And a special thank you to Broward County Mayor Dale Holness for his leadership help and understanding," the statement said The Port Everglades Unified Command — the body that approved of Carnival's repatriation plan — is made up of representatives of the United States Coast Guard the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The task force was responsible for working with Holland America's parent company to finalize a plan regarding the disembarkation of Zaandam and Rotterdam passengers The Zaandam was caught up in the international coronavirus pandemic during a cruise around South America that started in Buenos Aires had booked back-to-back cruises and were due to sail from San Antonio to Fort Lauderdale "We are so happy to be able to get our guests home and assist those few who need additional medical services," Holland America President Orlando Ashford said in the statement "The COVID-19 situation is one of the most urgent tests of our shared humanity and we must do everything we can to ensure we continue to act in ways consistent with our common human dignity to develop a comprehensive plan for the safe disembarkation of nearly 1,200 passengers from two cruise ships Exceeding safety procedures laid out by U.S Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health healthy passengers will return to their homes on Friday and Saturday on chartered flights to domestic and international destinations Holland America Line is pleased to confirm that Broward County and the Unified Command cleared both Zaandam and Rotterdam for arrival to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to disembark guests who are fit to travel per guidelines from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   We extend our sincere gratitude to President Trump Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry and all governmental and embassy authorities who helped to resolve this situation and get our nearly 1,200 guests home And a special thank you to Broward County Mayor Dale Holness for his leadership "These travelers could have been any one of us or our families unexpectedly caught in the middle of this unprecedented closure of global borders that happened in a matter of days and without warning," said Orlando Ashford "We are so happy to be able to get our guests home and assist those few who need additional medical services The COVID-19 situation is one of the most urgent tests of our shared humanity "Our guests on board both ships have been truly incredible and we extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to all of them," continued Ashford support and understanding throughout this entire experience helped us best protect the health of all on board and ensured our shipboard teams could focus on caring for everyone and getting them home "I would also like to extend my sincerest thanks to the amazing officers and crews of Zaandam and Rotterdam," continued Ashford "They are heroes who rose to the challenge of taking care of our guests and each other under extraordinary circumstances All of us at Holland America Line are so very proud of our colleagues for their exemplary leadership and service." guests will be health screened and also cleared for entry by U.S Disembarkation is expected to be completed by tomorrow evening with priority given today to those who need immediate care at local health system partners who have approved their arrival Fit-to-travel guests will transfer straight from ship onto buses for transfer directly to the airport for their flights home The majority will leave on charter flights Local Florida residents will return home immediately via private car Guests have not left the ship since March 14 and have self-isolated in their staterooms since March 22.  Guests who still have symptoms will remain on board and disembark at a later date to be finalized after they have fully recovered and meet the CDC guidelines for being fit to travel. They will continue to be well cared for on board by the ships' medical staffs No crew from either ship will disembark in Fort Lauderdale 107 guests (90 on Zaandam/17 on Rotterdam) and 143 crew on Zaandam (0 on Rotterdam) have presented with influenza-like symptoms There are 808 guests and 583 crew on Rotterdam On Zaandam there are 442 guests and 603 crew Among the guests, 311 guests are American citizens and 52 are residents of Florida Holland America Line made the decision to suspend its global cruise operations for 30 days and end its current cruises in progress as quickly as possible  At the time, Zaandam was sailing a South America cruise that began in Buenos Aires on March 7 that was originally scheduled to end in San Antonio Attempts were made and denied to disembark guests in Chile on March 15 and at other ports along its route to the United States On March 21, Zaandam was originally scheduled to begin a 20-day South America and Panama Canal cruise from San Antonio On March 30 an additional 30-day extension of cruise cancellations was announced 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Contact the publishers Virus-hit liners dock at Port Everglades where passengers will disembark A cruise ship on which four people have died has docked in a port in Florida after previously being denied entry Four people have died on the Zaandam and dozens are sick with flu-like symptoms on the vessels Earlier this week the ship offloaded its healthy passengers onto its sister-ship which has now also been given permission to dock Operating company Holland America said that following arrival in Port Everglades all guests would be health screened and also cleared for entry by US Customs and Border Protection People in a critical condition will be transferred to hospital A copy of the agreement between the operator and the port authorities said 14 people would need to be evacuated to hospital when the ships docked Ahead of the decision to allow the boats to dock Holland America Line said guests that met US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health guidelines would be transported home immediately once on land About 10 guests will require immediate critical care once docked and 45 guests with mild illness will be required to stay onboard with the crew until they have recovered The Zaandam cruise liner last entered port in Valparaíso, Chile, more than two weeks ago and has been stranded at sea with a Covid-19 outbreak onboard worsening after several Latin American countries refused to let it dock. Asymptomatic passengers were transferred to the Rotterdam, its sister ship, off the coast of Panama in a boat-to-boat rescue operation. “Both Zaandam and the Rotterdam have just received clearance for both ships to proceed into Port Everglades,” the captain of the Rotterdam announced to passengers on Thursday afternoon. Read more“I am very happy to share this good news with you Your journey home is ready to begin and we will give you an update on the next steps.” said the Australian passengers would be repatriated within 24 to 48 hours The agreement to let both ships dock in Florida comes after opposition from the state governor Ron DeSantis and several Broward county commissioners who feared that they could not cope with an influx of sick passengers But after intervention by Donald Trump earlier this week the cruise liners have been allowed into port after officials approved a plan from the cruise operators everything is signed” said Broward county commissioner Barbara Sharief who said the plan was briefly held up by the need to get agreements from the company on how they would take responsibility for any additional patients that need hospitalisation These people need to get off this ship and go home “They have the final clearance,” said Fort Lauderdale mayor Dean Trantalis “I’m encouraged by the big steps the cruise line has now taken [to ensure passengers get home safely.] It’s a far cry from what they originally offered.” But Trantalis noted that more cruise ships loaded with passengers are waiting to come into Fort Lauderdale in the next few days – including another ship owned by a Carnival Cruises subsidiary That ship was turned away from Brazil and other South American ports nearly two weeks ago The company announced on Tuesday that that ship also has passengers with influenza symptoms who originally opposed allowing the Zaandam to come into Fort Lauderdale “We have no information about the conditions of the passengers on the Coral Princess just yet But we will use our influence with the county to make sure that any ill passengers are properly isolated and quarantined.” a financial filing by the Carnival Corporation on Wednesday said there were still 6,000 cruise ship passengers stuck at sea on Carnival-owned cruise ships alone “I understand there are more ships out there behind them … So it’s a continuing dilemma.” Extra safety measures are being taken in areas that experienced unrest during last New Year’s Eve Parts of Hedel and Zaandam are designated safety risk areas which means that police will be allowed to perform preventive searches there was designated a safety risk area on December 31 and January 2025 after there were riots in the area last year The municipality has also set up a firework-free zone in this part of the village as it has on the Ipperakkeren in Kerkdriel there will be camera surveillance in the center of Hedel from December 18 to January 6 including area bans for people “who could be a risk for public order and safety.” The court in Zutphen sentenced four men to jail on Tuesday for violence against emergency services during the last new year in Hedel The Poelenburg district in Zaandam has also been designated as a safety risk area Incidents during the previous New Year's Eve and signals from the police are the reason for this the North Holland municipality of Zaanstad reported a group of young people threw fireworks at passers-by and cars extra camera surveillance and more lighting will also be used in the areas The municipality of Altena would not say anything about what is being done to maintain peace in Veen around New Year's Eve Cars are regularly set on fire around New Year's Eve in the village in Brabant It happened again last year at a notorious intersection but we do not provide any operational or strategic information about our preparations for New Year's Eve," said a spokeswoman for the municipality Andrea Torres FORT LAUDERDALE deployed a ship to deliver coronavirus test kits to the MS Zaandam cruise ship heading to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale The MS Zaandam’s voyage continues with 1,829 people on board including 30 guests and 47 crew members who have reported coronavirus symptoms and haven’t been off the ship since March 14 in Chile “Holland America Line has deployed Rotterdam to rendezvous with Zaandam and provide extra supplies COVID-19 test kits and other support as needed,” a cruise line representative wrote in a statement on Sunday and is set to meet with MS Zaandam’s crew on Thursday evening off the coast of Panama Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the Florida Department of Health in Broward County Customs & Border Protection and the Port Everglades Pilots Association are assessing the situation Copyright 2020 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013 She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Closed Captioning / Audio Description Contact Us Careers at WPLG Terms of Use Privacy Policy Public File FCC Applications EEO Report Do Not Sell My Info 1.0 Host Exhibit Copyright © 2025 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC. a Holland America lines cruise ship where four passengers have died and there are confirmed cases of coronavirus are pleading for help and say that being stuck on the ship is a living "nightmare." Holland America confirmed the report soon after it was published saying in a statement: "Holland America Line can confirm that four older guests have passed away on Zaandam." Medical staffers and the representative also confirmed at least two cases of COVID-19 on board passengers on board are sharing their stories from the ship which is currently anchored off the coast of Panama after being stopped from docking in the Central American country with crew members delivering meals and collecting trash from cabins Chris Joiner, a 59-year-old from Canada, and his wife Anna spoke to Reuters on Friday sending the outlet a selfie of the pair of them wearing masks and holding a sign saying "HELP US."  We can't go anywhere because we're not healthy "I think that's the biggest problem because we're on edge all the time," she told Sky but mentally we're quite stressed not knowing if we had a plan if we knew for definite what was going to happen but it's just the not knowing that makes you feel uncomfortable." and their son Neil described them and fellow passengers as "sitting ducks." "My mum was saying that until recently they were fine," Bedford told Sky News She said yesterday she was feeling very somber and they're not sleeping well." Holland America said Friday it had plans to transfer healthy passengers on the Zaandam onto Rotterdam and health screenings will be conducted before transferring," the company's statement said adding that it planned to dock the ship in Fort Lauderdale University of California San Diego's Adam Burgasser to guide guest experience on Koningsdam; ships will be positioned in eclipse "path of totality" SEATTLE, July 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line is making a unique opportunity even more special with the addition of astronomy experts to its 2024 Solar Eclipse cruise programming Guests sailing on Koningsdam and Zaandam to experience the total eclipse in spring 2024 will have exclusive access to lectures demonstrations and firsthand tips on how to make the most of their eclipse viewing UCSD's Adam Burgasser to guide guest experience on Koningsdam; ships will be positioned in eclipse "path of totality" University of California San Diego Professor Adam Burgasser will join guests on Koningsdam as the ship sails off the coast of Mexico in the thin "path of totality" for the April 8 Burgasser is a professor of astronomy and astrophysics and the principal investigator at the university's "Cool Star Lab." "We're positioning our ships in the perfect location for guests to see the eclipse," said Bill Prince vice president of entertainment for Holland America Line so being able to receive the guidance of a renowned physicist like Dr Burgasser is an exciting opportunity for our guests We're known for creating immersive programming and this will be an unforgettable live event."  Burgasser will educate guests through special lectures on the ship's World Stage and help them create their own eclipse viewers he will help guests safely view and understand this rare occurrence from unique positions on the ship "This first total solar eclipse in North America in seven years is something astronomers — amateur and professional — are all excited to observe and there's no better or unique place to observe it than at sea off the coast of Mexico," said Burgasser "I look forward to joining Holland America Line guests aboard Koningsdam to witness this phenomenon and help them better understand the science and history behind it." Koningsdam will embark March 23 on a 22-day Solar Eclipse Cruise which positions the ship along the coast of Mexico for a total view before crossing the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii itinerary departs April 5 and heads south to Cabo San Lucas before spending the day at sea on April 8 for the eclipse Koningsdam will then stop at Puerto Vallarta in Mexico before crossing over to Hawaii Guest Presenter Jim McParland will lend his expertise to the eclipse experience aboard Zaandam with lectures and demonstrations when the ship also is in position for total viewing Zaandam will depart March 30 on a 14-day Solar Eclipse Cruise roundtrip from San Diego and will be positioned for a total view of the eclipse as it tracks over Mexico For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com About Holland America LineHolland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL andNYSE: CUK) has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years — longer than any other cruise line Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk and dining venues feature exclusive selections from a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs CONTACT: Bill Zucker, Erik Elvejord PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com Holland America Line announced itineraries for its two Grand Voyages sailing in 2027 offering guests the choice to embark on an ambitious 129-day.. Holland America Line announced a six-week extension of its 2026 Europe season and opened bookings for four cruises available as part of the expansion... Entertainment Travel Maritime & Shipbuilding Transportation, Trucking & Railroad Do not sell or share my personal information: Zahira Zaandam has been with the Dordrechts Museum and Kunstmin Theatre since March 2021 where she is responsible for embedding diversity and inclusion into all areas of the organisation The Dordrechts Museum dates back to 1842. It is one of the oldest art museums in The Netherlands with an extensive collection spanning six centuries of Dutch painting the work of Dordrecht’s most famous painter Aelbert Cuyp can be seen alongside works by artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and William Turner In her role at the museum, Zaandam’s mandate encompasses diversity and inclusion in employment practices audience development and leadership accountability curators and educators are being asked new questions and sometimes facing uncomfortable conversations Zaandam is skilled at encouraging discussions and tackling topics that need to be addressed she has also been appointed to a number of committees dedicated to forming new pathways in Dutch cultural practices She is a member of the advisory committee for museums for the Netherlands Council for Culture as well as for the Netherlands Cultural Participation Fund As one nomination said: “Her natural curiosity and warm personality enable her to make easy contact with her peers and colleagues traits that smooth the way for others to embrace her desire to include us all Zaandam joined the Dordrechts Museum in The Netherlands following an impactful career in Aruba implementing scholarship programmes to promote internationalisation and student mobility she also worked at the Historical Museum Aruba She holds a BA in Cultural Studies from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Since the publication of this list, Zaandam left the Dordrechts Museum for a role at Stedelijk Museum Blooloop is taking climate action and is now B Corp Certified speed and the best experience on this site Thinking about a cruise with Holland America? Our latest Cruise Ship Tour, in the carousel above, offers a deck-by-deck look at one of the most intimate of the line's 14 vessels, the 61,396-ton Zaandam.  1,432-passenger ship is chock full of cozy spaces such as the top-of-the-ship Crow's Nest Lounge the book-lined Explorations Cafe and Italian eatery Canaletto The vessel also boasts a spa with a thermal suite and Turkish bath; multiple lounges and showrooms; and a lovely wrap-around promenade with cushioned teak deck chairs A range of cabin sizes go as big as 1,296 square feet Created by veteran travel writer and ship photographer Peter Knego the Zaandam photo tour is part of our ongoing series of cruise ship galleries For an inside look at dozens of other passenger vessels sailing the world's oceans and rivers USA TODAY Cruises:  The 25 most beautiful cruise vessels  While many major cruise operators are idling their fleets in response to the coronavirus pandemic some ships are still at sea or trying to find a port as they deal with fears that passengers or crew may have become infected with COVID-19 Some ship have passengers aboard who either tested positive for COVID-19 or have coronavirus-related symptoms yet are being turned away from ports overseas with numbers changing by the hour as cruise ships around the world are completing their voyages," Bari Golin-Blaugrund senior director of strategic communications at Cruise Lines International Association Holland America Line stated Sunday that 13 guests and 29 crew members aboard its ship Zaandam reported to the medical center with flu-like symptoms. The cruise line said in a statement on its website that all 1,243 guests have been asked to remain in their staterooms There is no COVID-19 testing on board.   Meal service is being provided by room service and all public areas are closed as the ship undergoes rigorous cleaning and disinfecting and Holland said in the statement those not required for ship operations are also being quarantined The remaining crew members are being asked to self-isolate when not performing essential functions Zaandam departed Buenos Aires on March 7 and was originally scheduled to end in San Antonio Holland America suspended its global cruise operations March 13 No one has been off the ship since March 14 on March 20-21 to take on provisions and fuel The ship is currently sailing north with a goal of arriving in Fort Lauderdale provided it receives permission to transit the Panama Canal Costa Luminosa begins disembarking remaining guests in ItalyOn Saturday, the Costa Luminosa cruise ship, which had at least three confirmed cases of coronavirus aboard, continued its disembarkation process in Savona, Italy. The ship has been allowed to dock despite the country being in a state of lockdown "Costa Luminosa is currently docked in the port of Savona where the maritime authorities are carrying out health checks," Costa Cruises said in a statement Saturday provided by Rossella Carrara vice president of external relations and sustainability The Italian cruise line said that 198 guests (113 Italian and 85 Swiss passengers) had disembarked "The company is guaranteeing maximum collaboration and availability to the Crisis Committee managed by the Civil Protection and the Prefecture of Savona which will define the protocol to be followed for disembarking operations," the cruise line said.  721 people had left the ship during a stop in Marseilles The same day, a jet carrying 359 people, including American and Canadian passengers, landed at Atlanta’s international airport as emergency responders prepared to screen them for the coronavirus Three people on the flight have tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms while 13 others are sick but haven’t been tested Department of Health and Human Services said Friday Some passengers complained that there were no medical personnel provided by the cruise company or the U.S government and that they were not given much food in 24 hours.  Costa Luminosa was denied permission to disembark its more than 1,400 passengers in Spain said that three Costa Luminosa passengers who were removed from the ship in the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico have tested positive for COVID-19 including a 68-year-old man who died last weekend two passengers who had problems breathing and one who had a fever were transported from the ship to the hospital when it stopped for provisions in the Canary Islands a autonomous Spanish territory off the coast of Morocco Costa Cruises told USA TODAY in an email there were five passengers and two crew members with "flu-like" symptoms on the ship.  A third Princess Cruise ship has become subject to the chaos of coronavirus.  After two members of the Princess Cruises fleet, Diamond Princess and Grand Princess were forced into quarantine as a result of the rampant virus Ruby Princess' former passengers now have to worry that they too could have been exposed to COVID-19 and the cruise line announced Friday four people All four people reported flu-like symptoms during the cruise and were in isolation on board with their travel companions all former passengers are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days according to a statement from the cruise line provided by spokesperson Negin Kamali.  The ship can hold up to 3,080 guests and 1,200 crew members according to the Princess Cruises website "Ruby Princess had returned to Sydney in accordance with the Australian Government’s arrangements for cruise ships to return and disembark guests at the ports where their cruises began," Kamali told USA TODAY in an email A country-by-country list: Coronavirus travel restrictions around the world Industry exec says: Half of US hotels could close amid coronavirus crisis The Holland America Line has been hit with a lawsuit over the fatal outbreak of COVID-19 onboard the MS Zaandam in March The filing from Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP Tousley Brain Stephens PLLC and Barrett Johnston Martin & Garrison LLC indicates that the plaintiffs are seeking to make the suit a federal class-action injury lawsuit against both Holland America and its parent company Carnival Corporation The group of law firms filed the suit in Washington state "on behalf of cruise ship passengers who traveled on the MS Zaandam in March 2020 and were negligently exposed" to coronavirus according to a statement sent to Business Insider "Our response throughout this process has put the safety and well-being of our guests and crew as the top priority and has been informed by guidance by leading government agencies including US Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization as well as the evolving understanding from the medical community on best protocols," a Holland America spokesperson said in a statement sent to Business Insider "Holland America Line does not comment on pending litigation." Along with the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess the Zaandam was one of the most high profile cruise ships to experience a deadly outbreak of COVID-19 at sea The Zaandam first cast off from Buenos Aires the World Health Organization designated the coronavirus a "pandemic." Before its cancellation a little over a week into its itinerary The ship was slated to conclude its voyage in San Antonio Many passengers on board had signed up for back-to-back cruises and the next leg would ultimately see them conclude their journey in Fort Lauderdale on April 7 But the cruise came to an end after South American governments began shutting the ship out due to coronavirus concerns the ship's captain ordered passengers to stay in their cabins after crew and guests alike began experiencing COVID-19 symptoms The lawsuit specifically alleged that Holland America's failure to take action when faced with the risks posed by COVID-19.  It cites the line's decision to continue sailing ships long after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a "global health emergency" on January 30 as well as after fatal outbreaks onboard the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess Holland America and Carnival did not take any measures different from their typical preparations for a voyage and made no COVID-19-specific efforts to prevent or contain contagion at the time of initial embarkation," the statement said The lawsuit specifically focuses on plaintiff Carl Zehner a resident of Tennessee and Zaandam passenger who tested positive for COVID-19 Trapped aboard the ship with his spouse Leonard Lindsay Zehner was shuttled off to a number of different hospitals in Florida and put on a ventilator.  the coalition of law firms said that Zehner has not yet totally recovered from the ordeal "This cruise was a life-threatening nightmare," Lieff Cabraser partner Kenny Byrd said in a statement "Despite knowing of the risk and dangers of COVID-19 exposure on its ships Holland America and Carnival put no meaningful screening or preventative measures in place on the cruises prior to departure and negligently continued to encourage guests to gather and mingle even as the virus spread through the passengers and crew."