• Society

Westerdam Returns With Pandemic Gratitude

• By Meng Seavmey
• December 28, 2023 4:10 PM

PHNOM PENH – The cruise ship MS Westerdam has docked once again in Sihanoukville to express appreciation for being allowed to stop there three years ago in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Provincial deputy governor Long Dimanche said the arrival was a gesture of gratitude for welcoming the ship, with 2257 people from 40 nationalities onboard, after it had been turned away by many countries for safety reasons in early 2020. 

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen said at the time that permission was given for “humanitarian assistance, saving lives and humanity promotion.”

At the port, all the passengers and crew were welcomed by Minister of Tourism Sok Soken in person with kramas — Khmer’s traditional handmade woven scarves with the logo of Angkor Wat temple — as a diplomatic welcoming gift. 

“We’re grateful to see you be back here. We make sure that we show our solidity and ultimately ensure the safety and well-being of the passengers arriving here,” the minister said to the ship representative. 

“We Cambodians are more than happy to extend our hands.”

The representative, on behalf of the ship crew and passengers, once again thanked Cambodia for welcoming the ship in 2020 despite a big challenge of the pandemic. 

He said, “It was a difficult task, but we accomplished it. We’re proud of that.” 

Prime Minister Hun Manet, welcomed the return of the Westerdam on his Facebook page, saying it made the world know more about Cambodia. 

“This return is a reminder of gratitude and a clear understanding of Cambodia's potential, as well as a humanitarian heart that has considered life rather than fear,” he said. 

As many as 900 visitors will go back on the ship when it leaves, while around 600 will stay at the country. According to the minister, some got off the ship in 2020 and wanted to come back to Cambodia this time. 

Economically, the return is an opportunity to show the world the potential of Cambodia, especially Preah Sihanouk province and thus to attract investors. The Ministry of Tourism said the ship brought about $1 million in tourism revenue in 2020.  

During her first docking in 2020, the passengers and the crew were tested for the virus. According to the World Health Organization, the WHO and other technical partners also worked closely with Health Ministry to ensure that appropriate processes were followed in the disembarkation and monitoring of the passengers and crew.

“All passengers and crew were required to complete a health declaration,” the WHO said in 2020. 

Owned by Holland America Line, the Westerdam is the third Vista-class cruise ship to be operated by the line, as well as being the third ship to bear the name Westerdam. Her sister ships are Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, and Noordam. 

The Westerdam has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards and features superb bar, entertainment and dining venues.