Here we go again. The last couple years have been difficult for the cruise industry, with numerous outbreaks of illness, mechanical malfunctions, and of course the Costa Concordia disaster two years ago.
Now, comes more bad news. The Associated Press reports that Royal Caribbean cruise lines has ended a 10-day cruise early after an outbreak of novovirus on board the Explorer of the Seas left close to 20 percent of the more than 3,000 passengers ill. Those who were sick had been quarantined, but after consulting with the Centers for Disease Control, the cruise line determined it was best to head back to port.
The cruise line says it is using special cleaning products and disinfectants proven to kill norovirus before bringing the ship back to the U.S.
As passengers, it’s important to be mindful that outbreaks of illness can occur. When on a cruise, it’s important to pay extra attention to good hygiene, and be sure to wash your hands and use anti-bacterial solutions as frequently as possible.
Photo from Royal Caribbean.
