What Crew Members Say About Oosterdam

On March 8, 2025, an emergency medevac operation unfolded in Mar del Plata when the cruise ship 'Oosterdam,' traveling from Montevideo to Port Stanley, made a critical diversion to assist an American passenger in dire need of medical care. The 86-year-old woman experienced a pulmonary embolism, prompting the captain to seek a medical radio consultation approximately 130 kilometers away from the port. Acknowledging the urgency, the Coast Guard determined that the patient required immediate treatment on land. In a coordinated effort, the 'Oosterdam' utilized a tender boat to transport the woman safely to shore, supported by the Coast Guard vessel 'Río Luján' and a semi-rigid boat from the maritime service. Once at the port's motorboat club, Coast Guard personnel provided immediate assistance, and the passenger was subsequently rushed to a private hospital in Mar del Plata alongside her husband. This operation highlights the crucial role of maritime emergency services in ensuring passenger safety at sea.

On July 30, 2022, the Kalamata Port Authority received an urgent call regarding an 83-year-old passenger aboard the cruise ship 'Oosterdam'. The vessel was located 48 nautical miles south of Kalamata when the need for immediate medical assistance was identified. The 'Oosterdam' promptly navigated to Kalamata's anchorage, where the ailing passenger was transferred to the 'Agios Nikalaos'. Accompanied by a patrol boat for safety, the individual was then swiftly transported to the port of Kalamata. Upon arrival, an ambulance was waiting to convey the patient to the General Hospital of Messinia for a thorough medical evaluation.

On April 28, the crew of the Holland America Line's 'Oosterdam' faced yet another setback as they were denied entry into the United States, despite the absence of confirmed COVID-19 cases on board. This decision was made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), compelling the vessel to leave the port of Los Angeles during the night with approximately 800 crew members hailing from 100 different nations. Since being ordered to suspend operations by the U.S. government on March 14, the ship has been operating without passengers. Following the medical evacuation of one sick individual, the entire crew was subjected to quarantine. Consequently, the 'Oosterdam' has been stranded in international waters for nearly 45 days. Due to the latest entry denial, the ship is now set to redirect to Ensenada, Mexico, in hopes of allowing crew members to disembark. Holland America Line continues its efforts to collaborate with the CDC to secure approval for disembarkation in the U.S., although the current no-sail order restricts such actions, impacting even U.S. citizens among the crew.