Canadian cruise ship crew workers who had been left stranded by the novel coronavirus pandemic have returned to Canada, the country’s foreign affairs minister says.

In a tweet on Saturday, Francois-Philippe Champagne said officials worked with U.S. authorities and cruise ship lines Holland America, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruises to assist with the return of the 75 Canadians.

He said officials are “continuing to work with cruise lines and local authorities to ensure the safe return of remaining Canadian crew.”

In a statement emailed to The Canadian Press, Princess Cruises said 19 Canadians on the Koningsdam disembarked in Los Angeles, Calif., on Friday and would be flown or driven home by the company.

Global News reached out to Global Affairs Canada to determine how many Canadian cruise ship workers were still awaiting repatriation, but did not hear back by the time of publication.

In March, Travel Canada the country’s Public Health Agency urged Canadians to “avoid all cruise ship travel,” over the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Travellers were warned that if they chose to voyage on a cruise ship that they may not be offered a spot on a repatriation flight, or could be on the hook to cover the cost.

— With a file from The Canadian Press and The Associated Press

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