MS Westerdam Finally Out of Cambodian Territory
MS Westerdam Finally Out of Cambodian Territory
More than two weeks after it docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, the MS Westerdam, along with more than 700 crew members on board, has finally left the Kingdom’s territory on Wednesday night.
Preah Sihanouk provincial hall spokesman Kheang Phearom said yesterday the cruise ship is to set sail for international waters and will await instruction from Philippine authorities, where it is planned to dock.
“The ship is carrying 707 crew members and 17 sales personnel. There are no longer any passengers on the ship,” he said.
The last batch of passengers left the ship earlier this week, with the preceding batches having already flown out of the Kingdom to their home countries, said Phnom Penh International Airport director Sao Wathana.
In a statement, MS Westerdam cruise operator Holland America Line expressed its gratitude to Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Ministry of Health and all individuals who worked hard to get the guests home and provide clearance for the crew members.
“As Westerdam Asia cruises have now been canceled through the April 25 departure, the ship will temporarily be out of service. Onward plans between now and the scheduled start of her Alaska season on May 10 from Vancouver are still being finalized,” it added.
“We are looking forward to getting back to sharing content from our ships and the beautiful destinations we visit.”
Meanwhile, speaking during a ceremony held for Japan’s grant assistance for the handover of medical consumables and equipment in the capital to aid in the prevention and control of COVID-19, Health Minister Mam Bun Heng expressed his gratitude to Japan and other institutions for their support to the Kingdom.
“I would also like to give a special thanks to the World Health Organisation, Pasteur Institute in Cambodia, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and all partners who are involved in the fight against COVID-19, together with the Royal Government of Cambodia,” he added.
Khmer Times
