Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess was hit by a norovirus outbreak on a recent South Pacific cruise out of Brisbane, Australia.
The first case was reported on day one of the cruise, suggesting that the illness was introduced to the ship during embarkation in Brisbane, a Princess Cruises representative tells Travel Agent.
“Consistent with public health alerts that norovirus and influenza are widespread in the general community in Australia’s eastern states, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, proactive and successful steps were taken on board Sun Princess to limit any spread of the illness,” a Princess Cruises representative said. “Out of an abundance of caution in the light of the public health alerts, deep cleansing was conducted on the ship and in the terminal for the ship’s turnaround in Brisbane on August 9.”
Sun Princess’ next cruise is a seven-night itinerary out of Brisbane departing August 20, with calls at Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas and Willis Island.
Norovirus is a gastrointestinal illness that is transmitted by contact with contaminated food or water, person-to-person contact, and contact with contaminated surfaces. A few years ago Royal Caribbean released a series of trips for cruise travelers for how to avoid getting sick with the illness on a cruise. They are:
- Wash your hands, especially before eating or preparing food and after using the bathroom
- Avoid shaking hands during an outbreak
- Avoid preparing food for others for up to three days after falling ill
- Wash laundry that may be contaminated with stool or vomit
Related Stories
Cruise Execs Talk Turkey’s New Tourism Plan
This Week in Cruise: New Ships, New Brand for River Cruises
Travel Agents Reveal Top Insights About Sailing Ship Cruises