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A cruise ship, which has 400 Brits including two from Kent on board, has been struck by coronavirus.
Mick Turnball from Bearsted and his partner - who does not wish to be named - first boarded the Coral Princess on the Chilean coast on Thursday, March 5.
Not long after, the crew began missing out stops and then, heading for Buenos Aires, passengers were advised to book flights home from the Argentinian city.
However, they later discovered they were not authorised to leave the ship unless they had an Argentinian passport or a flight booked for that very same day.
The ship later set sail for Rio, where Mr Turnball and his partner had booked tickets home from.
But, despite efforts of the cruise company, the Brazilian authorities would not allow any passengers to alight here either.
At the time, Mr Turnball, 57, said: "That was the worst point for me - I actually felt home sick and upset.
"At the end of a two-week holiday you've always had enough and want to get home and now it's been much longer than that. I'm ready to get off now, another day is a day too many."
The Coral is now heading to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but a couple of days ago passengers began experiencing flu-like symptoms and everyone was told to stay in their cabins.
It has now been confirmed there are 12 cases of Covid-19 on board.
A spokesman for the company said: "In response to a reported small cluster of cases of respiratory illness, Coral Princess proactively collected and sent 13 Covid-19 test samples to Barbados on Tuesday, March 31.
"We can confirm the results yielded 12 positive cases - seven guests and five crew."
Although the ship is due to arrive in Florida tomorrow, Mr Turnball says they have not been given any assurance they will be able to alight the ship or get a flight home.
There are 1,898 people on board in total.
The spokesman added:"Princess Cruises continues to remain in contact with local officials regarding disembarkation details.
Adding, in the meantime: "Guests will continue to self-isolate in their rooms, with all meals delivered by room service.
"Crew will remain in their rooms when not working.
"Face masks are also being distributed to the remainder of the ship.
"We are conducting these proactive actions to protect the health of all on board. These measures and precautions have been developed in coordination with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Both internet and guest stateroom telephone service remain complimentary so that guests can stay in touch with loved ones."
