On 7 March 2020 Zaandam departed Buenos Aires, Argentina, sailing for San Antonio, Chile.[9][10] It became stranded off the coast of Chile after being denied entry to ports since 14 March. Of the 1,829 people (1,243 passengers, 586 crew) aboard, 13 passengers and 100+ crew members had fallen ill with "flu-like symptoms."[11] As of 24 March, the vessel was sailing for Port Everglades, Florida hoping to dock on 30 March.