CABIN FEVER

By MICHAEL SMITH AND JONATHAN FRANKLIN Endeavour This is the gripping true story of the cruise ship Zaandam and the drama that unfolded at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020.

The company initially had concerns about the virus because of their mostly elderly passengers, but decided to continue because in the early stages South America was not really affected.

But as passengers started falling sick Zaandam became world news and the liner was denied safe harbour anywhere. With more people becoming sick and six deaths aboard the liner, the two doctors and four staff nurses felt overwhelmed, working with minimal medical supplies. Claustrophobia and panic took hold as passengers and sick staff were confined to their cabins while food and water supplies rapidly dwindled.

The book looks at the resourcefulness and sense of duty displayed by the crew as they soldier on with limited resources while feeling sick and exhausted.

After eventually being allowed through the Panama Canal they have to cruise around the Caribbean. While the company manages to negotiate for passengers to be allowed to disembark in Florida, it takes longer for the crew to get the green light to return home.

This is a thought-provoking read which celebrates the heroism of ordinary people and shows how much can be done in the face of crisis, when people work together.