Norovirus strikes again as Caribbean cruise returns early
For the second time this week, a Caribbean cruise has been cut short to return home after a suspected norovirus outbreak on board.
In the latest incident, the Caribbean Princess arrived back at Houston’s Bayport Cruise terminal last night after an estimated 165 passengers were struck with a gastrointestinal illness consistent with norovirus, according to officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The vessel had been on a western Caribbean cruise since January 25 and was originally due back in Houston on Saturday.
Norovirus is a fast moving, highly contagious infection that causes strong vomiting and diarrhea.
Princess Cruises spokeswoman Julie Benson said no passengers are expected to be admitted to hospital, adding that all will be provided with overnight accommodation and will receive a 20% credit for a future cruise.
Benson said the vessel will "undergo a thorough sanitization" before the next scheduled cruise on Saturday.
The cruise line also said the reason for cutting short the voyage was due to fog.
This latest outbreak is the third so far this year.
Norovirus is also suspected as the cause of an outbreak earlier this week on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas which affected over 600 passengers and crew.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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