“Three days later we were disembarking in total chaos” - Sowerby Bridge couple back home after coronavirus ends cruise holiday

Paul Whiteley and his wife Lynn spent a total of three weeks out of the UK, but only got part of the way through their holiday before the implications of the  coronavirus pandemic struck.

“The whole trip started well as we visited Christ the Redeemer in Rio as part of a three-night stay,” said Paul.

“We then boarded MSC Fantasia and travelled up the east coast of Brazil visiting three seaside towns.

“At this stage, the reports of the increasing pandemic were being received, particularly the Italian situation, and at the last stop, Masio, before we crossed the Atlantic, around 1,400 people jumped ship, leaving approximately 1,200 on board. mostly Brits, Aussies and Brazilians.

“We should have crossed the Atlantic in six days and visited six other locations, but by that time nobody wanted us.

“We were enjoying the sun, excellent food and very good company so it was hardly a hardship.

“Eventually, eight days later, the Foreign Office and the Portuguese Government came to the rescue and we docked in Lisbon.

“Three days later we were disembarking in total chaos. We had to sign medical disclaimers, all our temperatures were taken and passport control was at the foot of the gangway.

“Then came the unique and memorable part. There must have been a fleet of over 20 coaches to take us to the airport and only 26 people could get on each coach.

“Nobody could sit next to a window so that halved the capacity per trip.

“We then went in one of the convoys of about ten coaches, with at least 20 police outriders, across Lisbon with all roads blocked to let us through, and drove straight onto the airport tarmac to the steps of the plane.

“The couple then had the problem of getting from Heathrow to Manchester where their car was parked.
“There were no trains into London and the cost of the early morning flight to Manchester had risen to £320.00 each,” said Paul.

“So a taxi it was, at £590, which we shared with a lady from Blackpool.

“We felt much sympathy for about 30 Aussies on the trip who were having to make their own way home, if at all, from London.

“Whilst the trip ended in some chaos and forced to miss calling at four European ports, in reality, it was very enjoyable.

“There was nothing we could do to alter the overall situation and as the ship was virus-free life carried on as normal. with no restrictions.

“MSC Cruises were diligent in keeping the ship spotlessly clean etc and we must have been in one of the safest places on earth for the 10 days in the Atlantic.”