Quarantined in comfort: Bonita Springs couple enjoy cruise ship lockdown with filet mignon, private balcony

What was supposed to be a relaxing cruise along the South America coast for Doug and Doris Bernstein has turned into a cabin quarantine after a fellow passenger tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The Bonita Springs couple were told they would be confined to their 250-square-foot suite Thursday after a passenger tested positive for the disease and disembarked the Silver Shadow, a luxury ship operated by Silversea Cruises.

After three days of confinement, the Bernsteins are rather happy with the arraignment, Doug Bernstein said.

“It’s really nothing to complain about,” he said. “This ship is amazing. The crew have been fabulous, both in terms of impeccable service and caution.”

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Between twice-daily trips to the upper deck, a private balcony and hundreds of movies and internet access, the couple is prepared to wait out the quarantine, even if the stay is another week or more.

The ship is docked by order of the Brazilian government. Until officials believe the Silver Shadow is safe, it will remain docked in Recife, Bernstein said.

“We’re waiting for the authorities to be satisfied,” he said. “Then they’ll release us.”

The 20-day cruise was scheduled to stop in ports along the South American coast before heading to the Caribbean and Fort Lauderdale.

Silversea said in a statement it is working with local governments to resolve the situation, according to the Ryan Vlahovich with the Arizona Republic.

"Our top priority is to ensure the health and comfort of our guests and crew, and we thank our guests for their patience and understanding as this issue affects them and so many around the world," Silversea stated.

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Bernstein said he doesn’t know if the cruise will continue after the ship’s release or if it will go directly to Florida.

“I’d like to continue the cruise,” he said. “I don’t know if that’s possible, but we’re happy where we are.”

Bernstein said he heard about other cruise ship quarantines before boarding but wasn’t concerned about his cruise, which has more than 300 passengers and nearly as many crew members.

“Although we’re in our 70s, we’re both healthy and saw no reason to cut the trip short,” he said. “We were already here for a family reunion — my wife is Brazilian — and we just don’t feel the danger is so great that we should cancel.”

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According to ship announcements, no other passengers have tested positive, Bernstein said.

Silversea is one of the many cruise ships that have halted trips to U.S. ports in response to the coronavirus. Silversea’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival and other liners have announced a 30-day suspension to sailing operations.

Despite the quarantine, Bernstein said he is making best of the situation. He ended the interview phone call with the Naples Daily News as a crew member in full protective gear delivered lunch.

“I’ve got a Caesar salad, and Doris ordered filet mignon,” he said. “It’s a great cruise line. We’ll be going again.”

Thaddeus Mast is a south Lee County reporter for the Naples Daily News and The Banner. Support his work by subscribing to our local news organization. Find him on Twitter as @thaddeusmast.

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