DESPITE enduring weeks in lockdown on board Diamond Princess, AKA Travel’s Kareem Abdelmaksoud said he would have no qualms about going on another cruise in the future – only his preference might be a river cruise next time. The Canberra-based travel agent found himself at the centre of the media’s...
DESPITE enduring weeks in lockdown on board Diamond Princess, AKA Travel’s Kareem Abdelmaksoud said he would have no qualms about going on another cruise in the future – only his preference might be a river cruise next time.
The Canberra-based travel agent found himself at the centre of the media’s gaze when the vessel was quarantined by the Japanese Ministry of Health last month, after a passenger aboard tested positive for COVID-19, presenting he and his wife both professional and personal challenges.
“Usually I take my laptop with me when I go travelling, however as this was only going to be a two-week trip I did not bring it with me and this has limited my capacity to be able to finalise bookings and invoicing,” he said.
Thankfully, Abdelmaksoud adds, in his case suppliers were very helpful in extending timeframes for customer deposits, and being understanding of his plight.
However, the biggest personal obstacle for Abdelmaksoud was not knowing how at risk he was of contracting the virus.
“Being confined was frustrating and my wife and I discussed what we would do if either one of us were diagnosed with the virus.
“Getting information from the media prior to being informed by the cruise ship was also difficult at times,” he lamented.
However, the overall impression of the way Princess Cruises’ crew handled the challenging situation was a very positive one.
“The staff were quite exceptional in very difficult circumstances, they were quite cheery when they delivered food…in the last week in particular we got lots of treats delivered to our rooms, on Valentine’s Day, which my wife and I do not usually celebrate, we got a single red rose, lots of chocolates and lollies, face masks and treats,” Abdelmaksoud said.
Despite the taxing situation, the stoic agent said he learned a lot from the experience, advising agents and travellers to make sure they take their laptop on cruises if they rely on it, check the fine print in the travel insurance policies, and have contact details for embassies and airlines.
Pictured: Abdelmaksoud on his way to quarantine.
