Tamworth couple Eddie and Barbara Whitham remain stranded on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship after a coronavirus outbreak, but they remain in good spirits.
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The Whithams face at least three more days on board as authorities begin to let some people off the ship.
The Tamworth couple has been largely quarantined to their cabin on board the since deadly disease, now known as COVID-19, was detected on board.
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The boat has been sitting off the coast of Japan since February 4 with more than 3000 passengers on board.
There have been at least 219 confirmed cases of the virus linked to the ship.
Mr Whitham said additional doctors and medical staff had been brought on board to help with the "monstrous task".
"The ship's people, off and on the ship, have been amazing," he said.
"Despite the negative reports from some, all services are functioning well.
"Those who have cabins without windows are getting out, under regulations, to walk about."
Mrs Whitham said the couple were "doing okay" under the circumstances and looking for positives.
"This was my first Valentines Day where I got my husband to myself," she said.
"He gives so much of himself to others in the community."
Mrs Whitham said they were in a state of limbo when it came to returning.
"The official quarantine period ends on February 19," she said.
"There's nothing happening until then. "I don't know how we can book our flight home, but depending on Princess or the embassy to help us."
Eddie said the couple had been receiving many emails of support while on board.
"We have receiving many emails from people around the world, Australia including many from Tamworth friends which we are extremely grateful," he said.
At times, it has been a frightening ordeal for people on board, but there is a lot of downtime in quarantine.
Mr Whitham had whiled away some time writing short stories and jokes.
"A mermaid swam by, she called out to me: 'do you have any moisturising cream?'
"I have scaly skin. Then a dolphin passed by.
"'Who is that creature swimming with you?'
"'Oh him, every girl needs a porpoise in life."