Meaning: The passengers were very excited about the journey.
Choice of Words: Hearts race when they beat faster than usual. Excitement is a feeling of happiness and anticipation.
Meaning: This means that the passengers were feeling very excited and eager to arrive at their destination.
Choice of Words: Pounded means to beat or throb quickly. Anticipation is a feeling of excitement and eagerness for something to happen.
Meaning: This means that the passengers were feeling so happy and excited that their hearts almost stopped beating for a moment.
Choice of Words: Skipped a beat means to stop beating for a moment. Joy is a feeling of great happiness and delight.