The Last Cruise

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Audience Member I appreciated the use of cell phone recorded footage for the majority of this short doc as it provided a more authentic look from multiple viewpoints. Some of those featured may (or even worse, may not) regret they way they come off, considering the effects this virus would eventually have on the world. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a tight forty minute documentary from the perspectives of both passengers and members of the crew aboard the Princess Diamond that contracted over 600 cases of COVID-19 early in the pandemic. The director deftly contrasts the inhumane treatment of the staff members of color against the American passengers who come off as entitled and ignorant. Most offensive were Jerri and Mark Jorgensen who epitomize white privilege. In one interview, Jerri remarks snarkily that once quarantined in their quarters, the crew members delivering food were "not as friendly bc they were no longer receiving tips." Congratulations Jerri, you win the most tone deaf award! Crew members reveal that they are working 13 hour days with no breaks, living with bunk mates who are sick, and it's clear from the footage that the only protection (if you can call it that) is the masks they have because no social distancing is possible working in cramped quarters. Hearing from Maruja Daya, a pastry chef, that she is only paid $997/month—just enough to support her kids, was infuriating. Later on in the documentary, the Americans are told they will be put on a plane home and Jerri assumes it won't be "comfort plus." Wow, just wow. But Jerri is not alone in her obtuseness. Another couple, Cheryl and Paul Molesky, complain about how they ordered hamburgers but, they only received buns. When they dock in Hong Kong where there are reported deaths from the virus, Cheryl jokes about how wearing a mask when they go sight seeing IS the "Asian experience" because "you never do that in the United States." Right you are Cheryl because as of now the U.S. is fast approaching 600,000 deaths here, many of whom could have been saved if more people had worn masks. Most heartbreaking is to see crew members like Sonali Thacker have to appeal for help via the press because of what they are having to endure. I wished there had been more coverage of the crew members because they're the real heroes of this ordeal. As for the "Ugly American" stereotype, this doc confirms that it's alive and well. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Interesting look at what happened on the cruise ship, and how social inequality rears its head no matter the situation. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member I would definitely recommend this documentary, the heart breaking stories of those that cruised the Diamond Princess show the real struggle that was underneath the deck. Those that survived and who were focused during the documentary (especially the crew) showed how much they went through. It has a short run time but it focuses on a tremendous importance of what we are all currently dealing with. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member A brief but vivid look at the cursed final sailing of the Diamond Princess through videos made by the passengers and crew. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Last Cruise

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