Seattle couple stuck on a cruise ship hit by coronavirus could be headed home soon

If you feel trapped at home during the coronavirus pandemic, imagine being stuck at sea on a cruise ship during a deadly outbreak.

Kim and Joan Peterson of Seattle are among about 1,000 passengers on the Zaandam, a ship that was rejected from port after port in South and Central America for two weeks.

On Thursday morning, Zaandam arrived off the coast of Florida, but even there, officials resisted letting it dock.

“It's natural for citizens to be afraid about bringing in people who are an added risk,” Kim Peterson said. “But work with the facts. Not the emotion. And recognize that it's important to bring everyone home.”

So far, four people have died on the Zaandam and about 200 more are showing symptoms.

Seattle-based Holland America owns the ship and has called this a "humanitarian crisis."

Healthy passengers were transferred to another Holland America ship, the Rotterdam, but the Petersons were stuck on the Zaandam because Kim had cold symptoms earlier.

The Petersons said they've spent the time exercising in their tiny stateroom and reading. They said Holland America has waived charges for wine, so they've taken advantage of the occasional bottle.

Thursday afternoon came with news that state and federal officials and Holland America had come to an agreement that would let the ships dock, and move some sick passengers to hospitals. Healthy passengers would be allowed to fly home.

Kim Peterson said that despite the experience, they would go cruising again.