158Kviews
People Quarantined On The “Coronavirus Cruise Ship” Share What It’s Really Like (30 Posts)
The Diamond Princess cruise ship was quarantined in Japan's Yokohama on February 4, after evidence of the novel coronavirus was found on the vessel. Recently, 44 more people contracted the virus, bringing the total number of cases to 219. This means it's the largest outbreak outside of mainland China. While those who've tested positive are allowed to leave the ship for treatment, everyone else has to remain there at least until February 19.
The passengers have been asked to stay in their rooms, wear masks, and walk on the deck for a couple of minutes each day, keeping at least six feet of distance from others. Their meals are delivered to their room, and they also have plenty of TV, movie, and newspaper options to pass the time.
One more thing they're doing to keep themselves busy is sharing their everyday lives on social media. Their posts provide interesting insights into what it's like to stay on a cruise to nowhere, facing an epidemic that has already claimed more than 1,350 people.
More info: princess.com
This post may include affiliate links.
Bored Panda spoke to one of the passengers on the quarantined ship to get a better understanding of the situation. "We spend way too much time on social media these days," Aun Na Tan, a mom-of-three from Australia, said. "When we have steady internet, it's probably around 12 hours. We mainly chat with family and friends but also check the news and posts by other people."
Their day usually starts when room service wakes them up for breakfast. "We then all have breakfast and check our messages and e-mails. My hubby is working remotely so he logs on to work. We spend the next few hours reading or chatting online. Lunch arrives. We also watch the news and the “wake show” - a program hosted by the cruise director ... We might play a game when the Internet is down or hubby has a free moment from the teleconference. In the evenings, the kids and hubby take turns doing stretches and exercise before dinner arrives. We watch a movie or two before turning in for the night."
The quarantine of the Diamond Princess cruise ship is responsible for creating several online communities as well. Some of the passengers formed groups on WhatsApp and Facebook to fight the isolation and share information. They also focus on keeping each other's spirits up.
"The mood of most passengers we are in contact with is positive," Tan said. "Most people are thankful for the support we are receiving, and we tend to gravitate to people with the same positive vibe as us. We are glad we are together, in comfort and safety."
"To add to the above, we want to express our gratitude and admiration to the captain, the entire crew, and Japanese officials and medical volunteers who have proved countless times that they are working hard to make sure we are staying safe, comfortable and our needs -- both physical and mental -- are met. Also, the multitude of heartwarming messages that we receive from family, friends, and even strangers reaching out to us helps make our day brighter. There are loads of trolls mixed in there but haters gonna hate, and as Taylor Swift says, 'gotta shake it off!' Thank you everyone."
Because of the extraordinary circumstances on board, Princess Cruises will refund the full cruise fare for all 2,666 guests including air travel, hotel, ground transportation, pre-paid shore excursions, gratuities and other items. In addition, guests will not be charged for any on board incidental charges during the additional time on the vessel.
I can't imagine what it would be like to be a child stuck in there for all this time! So thankful someone is keeping them busy.
The one thing I learned from this is if I'm ever stranded on a desert island, I want to be with happy_girls_are_the_prettiest and her family, they really are making the best of a tough situation. Oh, and I learned that if I ever go on a cruise, pay extra to get a balcony just in case I'm quarantined in my cabin for 2 weeks, at least I can get some fresh air!
It is good to be able to see how they are doing...but it's also very very scary.
Great to see people taking things in their stride. When there's no choice, it's best to relax, and accept! And how great are the services and support! ?!
Okay, so half the media is telling us that this is a global crisis and the other half is telling us not to be panic mongers.
Stillnot understanding these extreme measures for a virus that is not nearly as lethal as the flue...
Hey @Allen Breum - a mortality rate of 2.5% if f*****g huge when hundreds of millions of people have it. The flue mortality rate is like 0.2% and it kills an average of 30,000 people a year in the US alone. Assuming China isn't bullshiting the #'s (and they definitely are , reality is its likely a 5%+ mortality rate) a air born virus that spreads like the flue and kills 10× the people is Catastrophic. If you want to pretend it's no big deal and nothing to worry about ask yourself - why has China Put 60 million people wonder quarantine? Why lock down one of the city's in the world? Why snatch people off the street?....don't you worry about it sweetie, it's no big deal. Go stick your head back in the sand until you're told it's safe to come out. PS: My masks are Virus rated. Got friends in a Hospital. But don't you worry its nothing to worry about....as millions are starving under a mandatory lock down.
Hello people. Just a bit of advice to the world- start stocking up on supplies ASAP. I just ordered 1 Month worth of freeze dried food for a family of 4, and I have mask , goggles, latex gloves. The most important by far is the food(and water) the biggest danger isn't of getting the virus, it's the run on supplies and the collapse of the transportation system that feed the world. Only enough food in average store to maintain regular demand for 48hrs. This is especially true in big cities. Good luck.
The one thing I learned from this is if I'm ever stranded on a desert island, I want to be with happy_girls_are_the_prettiest and her family, they really are making the best of a tough situation. Oh, and I learned that if I ever go on a cruise, pay extra to get a balcony just in case I'm quarantined in my cabin for 2 weeks, at least I can get some fresh air!
It is good to be able to see how they are doing...but it's also very very scary.
Great to see people taking things in their stride. When there's no choice, it's best to relax, and accept! And how great are the services and support! ?!
Okay, so half the media is telling us that this is a global crisis and the other half is telling us not to be panic mongers.
Stillnot understanding these extreme measures for a virus that is not nearly as lethal as the flue...
Hey @Allen Breum - a mortality rate of 2.5% if f*****g huge when hundreds of millions of people have it. The flue mortality rate is like 0.2% and it kills an average of 30,000 people a year in the US alone. Assuming China isn't bullshiting the #'s (and they definitely are , reality is its likely a 5%+ mortality rate) a air born virus that spreads like the flue and kills 10× the people is Catastrophic. If you want to pretend it's no big deal and nothing to worry about ask yourself - why has China Put 60 million people wonder quarantine? Why lock down one of the city's in the world? Why snatch people off the street?....don't you worry about it sweetie, it's no big deal. Go stick your head back in the sand until you're told it's safe to come out. PS: My masks are Virus rated. Got friends in a Hospital. But don't you worry its nothing to worry about....as millions are starving under a mandatory lock down.
Hello people. Just a bit of advice to the world- start stocking up on supplies ASAP. I just ordered 1 Month worth of freeze dried food for a family of 4, and I have mask , goggles, latex gloves. The most important by far is the food(and water) the biggest danger isn't of getting the virus, it's the run on supplies and the collapse of the transportation system that feed the world. Only enough food in average store to maintain regular demand for 48hrs. This is especially true in big cities. Good luck.