Saskatoon man had to endure coronavirus scare on cruise ship

Al Stickney is glad to be back on land — even if he is under quarantine.

The Saskatoon man and his wife, Heather, were passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship that was left floating off the California coast after 21 people had been infected with the coronavirus known as COVID-19.

Stickney said the ship left Hawaii destined for Mexico, but when the coronavirus concern came up, the ship made a detour for California.

That was on March 5. The ship was finally allowed to dock at around noon Monday after sitting off the coast for four days.

When asked what it was like to have to stay in their room on the ship during that time, Stickney said: “It’s always a pleasure to order room service, but when it’s every meal for four days, it becomes a little tedious. The novelty wore off.”

Of the 3,500 passengers on the ship, 21 were infected with coronavirus. That included 19 crew members.

The Stickneys were two of 228 Canadians who were flown back to Canada and now are being quarantined at CFB Trenton.

Al said the flight home was like taking a virtual Disney ride.

“It was a converted jumbo jet, which is normally used as a cargo plane that they put seats into. There were no windows, and anyone other than us (passengers) were wandering around in hazmat suits, so I described it as a combination of (the movies) Con Air and E.T.,” Stickney said.

He said the passengers were in pretty good spirits all things considered and even sang O Canada when the plane took off for home.

They are now in Trenton for 14 days of quarantine.

“It’s not a cell, but we are restricted in our movements,” Stickney said. “We have to wear a mask if we leave our room, but are encouraged to stay in the room, with the exception of times when we are allowed to get fresh air and exercise, which is very nice.”

He said it has been quite the experience but added they have been treated well.