Several groups of Canadians who were stranded on board the Koningsdam and Emerald Princess cruise ships have been repatriated to their respective homes. They had been left adrift due to a fear of coronavirus outbreak.
These two cruise liners had been anchored close to the Bahamas, near Nassau. Although the crew members were preparing to fly back to Canada, the Bahamian government had not given permission to dock. On Friday, they had disembarked at Los Angeles, and flew threw a chartered flight to Toronto.
Michelle Joly, who was aboard the Sky Princess, felt like a mini vacation in the beginning. But the situation became grimmer around April 1, as they were forced to self-quarantine and only allowed to come out during meal times. Then she was transferred to the Emerald Princess on April 26, she said.
Global Affairs said the Canadian government continues to work with airlines, cruise lines and foreign governments to bring Canadians home. Close to hundred US citizens who were aboard were also allowed to leave, as reported by Princess Cruises.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last month that about 80,000 crew members remained on board ships off the U.S. coast after most passengers had disembarked. There are hundreds of Canadians on dozens of ships yet to return home.