Passengers and crew on board quarantined cruise ship, Diamond Princess, have been offered counselling.
Another 66 people have tested positive for coronavirus on Diamond Princess, bringing the total number to 136.
The ship, with 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew on board, has been placed in quarantine in Yokohama for two weeks.
In a video statement, Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said it was a ‘dynamic and unprecedented situation’ with ‘unique challenges’.
“Everyone is in our thoughts and hearts as we serve them on board and from the shore,” she said.
She said more doctors and nurses have joined the ship to support the ship’s medical team. New protocols have been put into place to clean cabins.
She said the cruise line has received many kind messages and donations and she thanked Japan for its ‘deep care and assistance’.
On Saturday the cruise line’s executive vice president Rai Caluori recorded a video message outlining the measures being taken while the ship Diamond Princess is in quarantine.
Caluori said the situation was ‘unbelievably stressful and challenging for guests and crew’, adding: “It’s not an experience I would wish upon anyone.”
Passengers are being provided with three meals a day, free wifi and telephone calls, additional increased internet bandwidth and enhanced TV channels.
In addition, passengers are being offered telephone mental health counselling.
All guests will receive a full refund, including flights, tips and excursions, plus a cruise credit for a future sailing.
