I am one of the many people who have been following your situation closely on the Crew Center Facebook page. It has been painful for me to learn that some of you are experiencing depression, others have lost loved ones back home to COVID-19, and ALL of you are missing your families. It has been a long and difficult journey for you. I feel for you and wish I could do more to help.

Being onboard a cruise ship during this pandemic has not been without challenges, especially for the crew who were eagerly waiting to return home to their loved ones. The bigger the ship the greater the challenges especially for one of the world’s largest cruise ships, Anthem of the Seas. However Anthem of the Seas management team proved to be on top of all challenges ahead by showing true care for each and every crew member aboard.

It breaks my heart to read of the ongoing struggles ship crew are facing right now. I read that most ships and cruise lines are doing what they can to look after crew and to keep you safe. Those ships that are not doing what they can and will be remembered when cruising starts again. It is sad that Governments appear to be guilty of keeping many of you from being with your loved ones and family.

With each day passing by the mental health of the crew still stranded on the cruise ships is deteriorating. One crew member stranded on the cruise ship has sent Crew Center the following letter saying “We don't live, we survive” and asks the government to return home. “I stay in my cabin every day I cry while praying and the walls come to me. A wall as long as it is high, it represents the height of patience that we have to wait.” sid the crew member.

There are still more than 1200 crew members trapped onboard the Holland America Line cruise ship ms Koningsdam, who comply 2 and a half months of not touching land and they wish to be repatriated to their countries to see their families. The ship is currently anchored in front of Puerto Vallarta, inside the bay, and it is visible from land. 

Open letter to the United Nations (UN)

Over 200,000 seafarers are stranded out at sea right now. Some have already lost hope and committed suicide. Others say they are close to doing the same. What can the United Nations do to help repatriate citizens to their home countries, because we are asking for your help.

The following story speaks of one crew member reality and his fight not only with the COVID-19 but also with the loss of a parent during the lockdown of the cruise ships. What happens when you are stuck on a cruise ship thousands of miles from home, not able to pay respect, and say final goodbye to the person who raised you? This is the reality of a cook who due to the circumstances and the lockdown caused by the global pandemic, received the sad news while on a cruise ship.

This is a story of love and hope in the time when fear is spreading more rapidly than the COVID 19 pandemic. This is a story that speaks of one girls love for her crew members and community in measures so great that she decides to stand aside from them and find creative and daring ways of not only helping, but also inspiring more to consider their abilities further than the world of the cruise ship.

COVID-19 has managed to put so much fear into the hearts of people all over the world with crew members experiencing more than average fear due to being away from family and friends support. In times of uncertainty and fear, it is a good idea to share something that can alleviate this at least a little and to know that people survive.

I was still at Costa Fortuna when I’ve heard that Costa Smeralda will be the next ship I'm going to conquer.  It's not easy for me to decide whether to go for it and worst comes worst or to turned down the offer. While enjoying the vacay and having hard times in deciding whether Costa Smeralda is for me or not. It was indeed a great challenge to face this mysterious Costa Smeralda. Nevertheless, I made the right decision then.