FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - APRIL 02: The Zaandam cruise ship pulls into Port Everglades on April 02, 2020 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Holland America cruise ship had been at sea for the past 19 days after South American ports denied their entry Holland America Line said it will use its cruise ship Volendam to accommodate Ukrainian refugees as part of an agreement between the Netherlands and Rotterdam city officials.
Authorities say the ship will dock in Rotterdam for three months and will provide a temporary home for nearly 1,500 Ukrainians as part of the country’s larger commitment to accept 50,000 people who fled the war in their homeland.
Guests will be provided three hot meals a day, rooms, housekeeping services and other amenities. The cruise ship will be staffed with 650 crew members. RELATED: Ukraine says Russia beefing up its forces; Putin appoints new war commander"We are in a unique position to accommodate the immediate need for food and housing, so we felt it was very important to work with the City of Rotterdam and charter this ship," Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line, said on the company’s website. "Our company was founded in Rotterdam around the mission of helping immigrants find a better life.