Is the Last Cruise Real?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of documentaries, chances are you’ve heard of ‘The Last Cruise’. This HBO documentary, which premiered in March 2021, takes viewers on a harrowing journey aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But is ‘The Last Cruise’ real? Let’s take a closer look.

The Premise

‘The Last Cruise’ documents the experiences of passengers and crew members aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship as it sailed around Asia in January and February 2020. The ship was carrying over 3,700 passengers and crew members when it was quarantined in Yokohama, Japan after several cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on board.

The Reality

Yes, ‘The Last Cruise’ is real. The documentary features real footage captured by passengers and crew members during their time on board the Diamond Princess. It also includes interviews with those who were there, including passengers who became ill with COVID-19 and crew members who worked tirelessly to care for them.

The Impact

‘The Last Cruise’ provides a sobering look at the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on those aboard the Diamond Princess. The documentary highlights the challenges faced by passengers and crew members as they navigated an uncertain and rapidly evolving situation.

Passenger Experience

Passengers on board the Diamond Princess were confined to their cabins for weeks on end as they waited for news about their health status and potential repatriation. Many became ill with COVID-19 themselves or watched as their fellow passengers fell ill around them.

Crew Experience

Crew members on board the Diamond Princess worked tirelessly to care for sick passengers while also trying to keep themselves healthy. They faced shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and struggled to communicate with passengers who spoke different languages.

The Takeaway

‘The Last Cruise’ serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that COVID-19 has had on individuals and communities around the world. It also highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in high-risk environments like cruise ships.

If you haven’t already seen ‘The Last Cruise’, it’s definitely worth a watch. Just be prepared for an emotional and thought-provoking viewing experience.