Norovirus strikes again!

Gastrointestinal illness, has struck once again this time with Royal Caribbean Oasis of the sea effecting around 500 passengers and crew on board during a trip round the Caribbean.

If was originally thought that around 277 passengers had been effected but these numbers rose to 500 when the ship was forced to cut their sailing short return to Port Canaveral a day earlier than scheduled. Returning early provided Royal Caribbean extra time to complete a deep clean of the vessel to make sure this did not happen again on the next sailing and also to stop others being at risk of contracting the illness.

Mixed feelings have come from passengers on board, with some in despair at the chaos surrounding the outbreak and frustrations of not being able to get off in Falmouth Jamaica. Where as others praised Royal Caribbean for making the right decision for the  safety of passengers and also organising extra medical staff to join the ship to take care of those who needed them.

Gastrointestinal illness otherwise known as Norovirus  is a type of gastrointestinal illness and is “very contagious.”

It is possible to catch it from those infected by it and by touching contaminated surfaces or eating or drinking contaminated food and water.

Symptoms of norovirus include stomach pains, nausea and diarrhoea and although it is highly transmissible, the illness is “relatively infrequent on cruise ships” the CDC states.

Since returning Royal Caribbean have advised that all passengers from the sickened sailing will receive full refund.

Do you think Royal Caribbean made the right decision to end the cruise early?

Have you been effected by this illness before while cruising? How was it handled? Were you looked after?

Tell me about your experiences.

Until next time

Marie