'We are still processing': Passengers reflect 1 year after COVID-19 outbreak on Grand Princess Cruise ship
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- One year after boarding the Grand Princess Cruise ship from the San Francisco Bay, several passengers are still processing what happened to them as a COVID-19 outbreak on board forced them to quarantine.
TIMELINE: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
Back in 2020, Laurie and John Miller became our eyes and ears inside the cruise ship after 19 crewmembers and two passengers tested positive for the virus. Early in the year, just days into their trip, the world was learning more about the deadly virus that would ultimately cut their trip short.
Luz Pena: "How long did it take you to process what you had gone through?"
Laurie Miller: "I think we are still processing. The first couple months we were home I was depressed and it was a dark time for me."
What's keeping the Millers positive is their seven-month-old grandson, Theo. Back when they were on board the ship their daughter was pregnant and they nicknamed their grandson "Pudge."
"He is a major mental health tool. I call him my Theo therapy," said Laurie Miller.
VIDEO: Grand Princess passenger says windowless ship quarantine was like solitary confinement
Grand Princess Passengers have kept in touch and helped each other cope with life after quarantine through a Facebook group.
Luz Pena: "It was a completely different world (when you came out)."
Laurie Miller: "Oh, of course, and that was the biggest shock when we were in quarantine at Travis Air Force Base. We watched the news, but it didn't hit me until we got home and realized how shot down everything was."
San Francisco residents, Adelina and Henry Serata, captured the hearts of many as they danced and sang with their granddaughter Michelle Heckert on board the cruise ship while waiting to disembark.
VIDEO: This is what life aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship looked like
We caught up with them today. Adelina was quick to let us know she's a year older and wiser now.
"Yesterday was my 88th birthday. Happy birthday! I had a lovely time," said Adelina Serata.
The Seratas say they've gotten closer as a family after this experience.
EXCLUSIVE: Bay Area couple describes 'strange trip' to Wuhan before COVID-19 officially reported
"I thought, 'My God to go through something like that, it's like history,'" said Adelina Serata.
Their granddaughter Michelle also had some updates, "I have some life changes, like couple different jobs and a boyfriend."
The Seratas are planning two cruise ship trips this year.
Adelina Serata: "The second one (trip) will be in November. We are going to Hawaii again because that was interrupted."
Luz Pena: "Are you telling me you're going to take the same trip that had you under quarantine? But a year later?"
Adelina Serata: "We've done that many times, but this time we are going to take her mother and father," pointing to her granddaughter Michelle seating in between them.
John and Laurie Miller are fully vaccinated and hope to go on a cruise ship with their Grand Princess credits in 2022.
Henry and Adelina Serata got their first COVID-19 vaccine dose and are scheduled to get their second shot soon. Moving forward, they would like for cruise ship companies to make it a requirement for passengers and staff to get vaccinated before traveling.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- From COVID-19 to Black Lives Matter, these 13 people defined the Bay Area in 2020
- Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
- CALCULATOR: Find out how many people may get a COVID-19 vaccine before you
- VIDEO: When will I get the COVID-19 vaccine? We explain who goes 1st
- COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season
- Want to get a COVID-19 test in time for the holidays? Here's what you need to know
- Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
- Map shows everywhere you can get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during pandemic
- California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
- Health experts urge flu shots in effort to avoid 'twindemic'
- How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
- Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
- First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
- Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
- What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
