Zaandam cruise coming to South Florida Thursday. Sick passengers will go to Broward Health. Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article241681661.html#storylink=cpy

MIAMI HERALD ^ | April 01, 2020 | Samantha J. Gross and Taylor Dolven

[Capt. Tom]

As the beleaguered Zaandam and Rotterdam cruise ships steam toward Port Everglades, more than 1,200 passengers on board still don’t know what will happen to them when they arrive early Thursday.

Both ships are on the Port Everglades docking schedule for Thursday at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Broward Health confirmed to the Miami Herald that “critically ill” patients will be transferred to the hospital system.

DeSantis alluded to a third ship on its way to Florida, the Coral Princess, which is expected to arrive to Port Everglades Saturday with flu-like cases on board. All 1,024 passengers are confined to their cabins as of Tuesday.

[Capt. Tom]

It has been years since I have done a cruise out of Port Everglades, so I want to ask you this question.

Going OUT on the port side (left) there were condominiums close to the waterway.
The people would all be on their balconies with horns and bells and music, and cheer and wave to the cruise ships going by.
It was a nice way to start a cruise.

Do they still do that? -Tom

[Capt. Tom]

Update excerpt from Reuters -Zachary Fagensom:
Nine people suspected of having COVID-19, the potentially lethal respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, will go to a Broward Health hospital, while foreign nationals will board buses directly to an airport before flying by charter planes back to their home countries, NBC reported. Forty-five severely sick passengers will remain on board. The deal comes after Trump earlier this week urged the state’s governor, a fellow Republican, to drop his opposition to accepting the ships.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-cruise/florida-to-allow-two-cruise-ships-to-dock-after-impasse-nbc-reports-idUSKBN21K22E

[Capt. Tom]

At 2:45 ESDT it looks like on cruise tracker, the Rotterdam just offshore of Port Everglades is heading for the Harbor- the Zaandam is still heading north, off Port Everglades. -Tom

[dfwgator]

That’s why I called it the, “Voyage of the Damned Stupid.”

[cjshapi]

Sailed out of Port Everglades on February 23. There were plenty of parties, what looked like barbeques, and folks waving as we made our way to the Atlantic.

[pnz1]

So put them on buses and then through the airport to a plane. That sounds a little risky.

[Chgogal]

I can see both the Rotterdam and the Zaandam. Rotterdam is nearest to the harbor entrance. She’s about 1.5 miles from the harbor entrance.

[Chgogal]

Those are the Point of America condos and some individual mansion lots. They love watching the ships. It is a nice bon voyage.

[Chgogal]

Yes!!!!

About time.

Wow! Look at all those cruise ships! Unfreaking believable! So damn sad? Those companies need to sue China!

[Chgogal]

Here is a looksie:

https://www.cruisemapper.com/?imo=9122552

[Chgogal]

Port Everglades Webcam:

https://www.portevergladeswebcam.com/

[Capt. Tom]

Yes!!!!
About time. Wow! Look at all those cruise ships! Unfreaking believable! So damn sad? Those companies need to sue China!

Cruise tracker shows Zaandam to the north of Rotterdam and going a little faster both heading for the Port Everglades.. -Tom

[Chgogal]

Yup! The web cam will come in handy.

[cjshapi]

I got some great photos of them. I have a side-hustle that pays for a great vacation once a year. Can’t imagine actually living like that.

[Chgogal]

Oops didn’t see your post.

Yes, people still do that! It is so much fun and such a nice way to start your cruise. One day I am going to do that Around the World cruise.

[Chgogal]

People seem to enjoy.it. It is a great location. They have the widest beach in Fort Lauderdale.

[Chgogal]

Welcome home Zaandam!

[Capt. Tom]

Welcome home Zaandam!

Tracker shows Zaandam outside entrance to harbor and behind it the Rotterdam picking up a pilot. -Tom

[Chgogal]

They are so close. Webcam on overload!

[Chgogal]

Going through now! Welcome home!!!!