Just a month ago, they were embarking on an adventurous journey to some of the world's most remote islands. Encounters with whales, dolphins and penguins awaited them; landscapes of icy expanses, giant cliffs and rolling green hills beckoned them. Thus begins CNN's article about passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship affected by hantavirus.
Now they are isolated in their cabins, stranded on a ship anchored in the Atlantic, taking all possible measures to protect themselves from an outbreak of a deadly virus.
For the nearly 150 passengers aboard the MV Hondius, the coming days are full of uncertainty.
Three passengers have died after an outbreak of hantavirus, which causes fatigue, fever and can even lead to organ failure and death. Three more who are thought to have been infected will be evacuated in the coming hours.
Everyone else will have to wait, at least for now. Spain has agreed to take the ship to the Canary Islands within three to four days. Until then, the ship will remain anchored off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde, while those on board do their best to avoid getting sick.
Meanwhile, many of them have tried to make the most of the uncertainty, some of them offering a glimpse into their lives through posts on social media, reports A2 CNN.
Kasem Hato, a travel vlogger, has posted videos from the deck of the ship looking out towards a distant landmass.
"What you see before us there is the land of Cape Verde, but we are not allowed to land there," he says in Arabic, as he points to the coastline of the West African country, which was supposed to be the ship's last stop.
Passengers have been told to self-isolate and strict hygiene measures have been taken. However, despite the circumstances, tour operator Oceanwide Expeditions says passengers remain calm.
"Most people on the ship are taking it very calmly," says Hato, in one of the videos he posted from the deck overlooking the water and from inside his cabin.
He also dismisses any fears of the outbreak escalating.
"This virus is not new to the world. If it were to become an epidemic, it would have happened a long time ago," he says.
While human-to-human transmission is suspected to have occurred on the ship, Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization's (WHO) acting director for epidemics and pandemics, believes it is likely to have only occurred between very close contacts, such as married couples and people providing medical care. The risk to the general public is very low, she says.
Two of the passengers who died were a married couple. Among those who are sick and expected to be evacuated soon is a person "connected" to the third person who died, according to authorities, and another is a doctor.
While passengers are taking the situation seriously, they are not panicking, Hato told CNN.
"We are very sorry for those who passed away, as we shared a beautiful journey with them and express our condolences to their families," he said.
Another passenger who spoke to CNN, Jake Rosmarin, said that apart from those who were sick, “everyone else on board is fine and remains in good spirits.” He highlighted the efforts the crew has made to keep passengers safe, informed and comfortable.
Wildlife photographer Alejandra Rendon also praised the team for "managing such an unexpected and unfortunate situation."
The crew is spending their time caring for passengers and disinfecting the ship, according to the tour operator and the WHO.
Passengers are also doing their part.
Hato told CNN that the ship's captain and management are keeping passengers updated on new information as it becomes available.
"We are trying to follow the recommendations we have received, such as reducing direct contact with other passengers and disinfecting hands as much as possible," said Hato.
"Our days are going pretty much normally," he added, saying morale on the ship remains high. "We're trying to keep ourselves busy by reading, watching movies, drinking hot drinks and so on."
Rosmarin said additional medical supplies were also brought on board and that passengers were taking precautions such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
Passengers can have their meals delivered to their cabins and can only take walks on deck for fresh air, but cannot gather in common areas, he added.
He too has posted images of the view of Cape Verde from the ship and is looking forward to the day when the ship will finally land.
"I feel good, I'm getting some fresh air and I continue to eat well and be taken care of by the crew on board," posted Rosemary on Instagram along with a selfie of himself on deck.
"I'm trying to focus on the positive, think about good things and keep a smile on my face.""
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