What was meant to be an enjoyable tropical cruise turned into something quite different for Diamond Beach photographer Martin Von Stoll and his family last week.
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Martin and his wife Chochie, his mother Ngaire, and his three children Keonii, Zaiden and Riazz were aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise through the Pacific Islands when their ship, Voyager of the Seas, was denied access to Vanuatu and New Caledonia because several people on-board were displaying flu-like symptoms.
The family was three days into what was meant to be an 11-night cruise and were scheduled to leave Noumea when the captain informed them that the ship was being diverted to New Zealand.
Martin said while there was a definitely a sense of concern among staff and passengers about the threat of coronavirus, he didn't witness any panic.
"I didn't see or hear anyone personally," he said.
But the passengers were encouraged to take extra precautions, such as washing their hands regularly and avoiding contact where possible.
Three staff were reported to have had flu-like symptoms and a passenger was also transported to hospital once the ship arrived back in New Zealand.
Martin said the passengers were only given a verbal screening before the ship set off from Sydney, but by the time they got back a thorough screening process had been implemented for the next group of passengers.
Apart from the disruption to the cruise's itinerary, Martin said the other noticeable consequence of the coronavirus threat was how few passengers were on-board.
"I was told by one of the staff that there were approximately 2500 people less than it was meant to take," he said.
"It's affecting the whole travel industry."
But while Martin and his family didn't mind the uncrowded conditions, he said he and many other passengers were disappointed with the lack of compensation they were offered by Royal Caribbean.
"We were only compensated with $50 per adult and $30 for kids for the change in itinerary, which sucks because it was supposed to be a tropical holiday" he said.
Back home in Diamond Beach now, Martin says he intends to see if the company will offer them further compensation for the inconvenience, but mostly he's glad his family is healthy and safe.
"Your health is the main priority and everything is okay," he said.
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