Covid-19 leaves thousands stuck at sea aboard cruise ships

The Celebrity Infinity cruise ship at Port Miami in Florida, the United States, on March 14. While the ship’s passengers have all been sent home, most of the crew are forced to remain on board. — Getty Images/AFP

The cruise industry has taken a beating during the coronavirus crisis – on-board outbreaks, refusal of port access and now no clear idea of when ships can sail once again.

While the passengers have headed home, the journey drags on for tens of thousands of crew members who are stranded at sea aboard their vessels, with no end in sight.