logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2020
23m 37s

The cruise is over, but COVID has crews ...

Al Jazeera
About this episode

When coronavirus hit the cruise industry, many passengers were allowed to disembark and were repatriated to their home countries. But as of mid May, about 100,000 crew members were still at sea, trying to get home. We speak with one crew member who was able to go home, and with many who are still stuck on board.

In this episode:

Sterling Howell, musician and cruise line entertainer; Krista Thomas, former guest services director for Norwegian Cruises; Ghoseawon 'Albert' Luxmeeparsad, and other Mauritian crew members.

For more:

Cruise lines face legal storm over coronavirus outbreaks

Thousands of Indian seafarers stranded due to coronavirus curbs

Connect with The Take: Twitter (@AJTheTake), Instagram (@ajthetake) and Facebook (@TheTakePod).


If you are struggling with mental health issues, there are suicide crisis lines available in many countries. Here are some resources:

Open Counseling

International Association for Suicide Prevention

Global Suicide Hotline Resources — WhatsApp

Up next
Today
Another Take: Why is Mexico City running out of water?
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on March 12, 2024. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Mexico City’s residents are approaching a “day zero” where the government will no longer be able to prov ... Show More
19m 42s
Yesterday
Can Trump strip Musk, Mamdani and others of their US citizenship?
US President Donald Trump is threatening to strip away citizenship from some naturalized citizens, including billionaire Elon Musk and New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. In a country where more than 25 million people are naturalized citizens, who is really at risk? In thi ... Show More
22m 40s
Jul 10
Is direct action for Palestine 'terrorism'? The UK says it is
The UK has outlawed Palestine Action, grouping it with ISIL and al-Qaeda. Supporters of the group now risk up to 14 years in prison, and arrests of protesters opposed to the listing have already begun. What does the decision reveal about the UK’s approach to protest and civil dis ... Show More
20m 40s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2020
No port of call: coronavirus may sink the cruise industry
Cruise ships had been enjoying a golden era—until covid-19 came along. The pandemic has been a catastrophe for the industry. Stranded passengers have taken ill and even died, ships have been banned from ports, and revenue has collapsed. But lawmakers are unlikely to bail it out. ... Show More
21m 43s
Nov 2021
The English Channel boat tragedy reveals a bigger story
31 people drowned when a boatload of asylum seekers capsized in the English Channel this week.  The international community all of a sudden became aware of a crisis on the beaches near Calais in France.  People smugglers are loading migrants, looking for a better life, onto infla ... Show More
18m 25s
Jan 2024
The Cruise Line Industry
The start of 2024 brings with it not only new resolutions but also new insights into one of the most dynamic sectors of global tourism - the cruise line industry. After weathering the storms of the pandemic, this industry has emerged not just afloat but thriving. The Cruise Line ... Show More
21m 59s
Mar 2020
Coronavirus: What is it, how does it spread and how to stay safe?
It’s the word on everyone’s lips, and has been for months now -coronavirus. We haven’t seen an international response to a crisis on this scale before. One in which every single one of the world’s 195 countries are at risk. Nations are closing their borders, halting flights, limi ... Show More
19m 47s
Aug 2023
The Story of an NGO Rescue Ship That Saved 50 Migrants Stranded in the Mediterranean Sea
The number of migrants and refugees who are dying at sea while crossing the mediterranean is at a four year high.  Nearly 2,000 people are confirmed to have died in the medditeran thus far in 2023, although the real number is likely higher. In one tragedy alone, about 600 people ... Show More
26m 11s
Mar 2022
The amazing helicopter flood mission on the Northern Rivers
This is an amazing story of Australians rallying together …when the authorities don’t offer the support they should.   Michael Barnes is a helicopter pilot and co-owner of Rotorwing, a chopper business based in Lismore.  Despite the fact his house was almost completely submerged ... Show More
21m 56s
Sep 2022
Why does the sinking of the Joola still haunt Senegal?
Content warning: This podcast includes vivid descriptions of the sinking of the Joola which some listeners might find distressing. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Twenty years ago, news of terrible event began to spread throughout the city of Ziguincho ... Show More
19m 53s
Oct 2020
Leaving Lebanon
Lebanon has suffered not just a catastrophic blast that cost around two hundred lives, but also a devastating economic crisis. The value of the currency has plunged and the pandemic lockdown forced nearly a third of businesses to close, leaving thousands jobless. Is Lebanon now a ... Show More
28m 37s