200 Cruise Passengers Struck By Norovirus

February 4, 2012 11:41 AM

File photo of a cruise ship. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

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MIAMI (AP) — More than 200 passengers on two cruise ships headed to South Florida have been stricken with a gastrointestinal illness.

Officials with Princess Cruise Lines say two of its ships were struck with a norovirus that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.

The Crown Princess returned from a seven-day cruise Saturday and was docked at Port Everglades. A total of 140 passengers and 18 crew members were affected by the illness.

The Ruby Princess will dock Sunday morning. Cruise officials say another 81 passengers and nine crew members were affected on that ship.

Passengers set to embark this weekend have been notified that their departure will be delayed a few hours at least as the ships undergo further disinfection in Port Everglades.

200 Cruise Passengers Struck By Norovirus

AL

I’m not surprised. I was on the Crown Princess in December and was surprised by the lack of hand wipes on the ship. The entrance to the dining room had no hand wipe station. Was told by the maitre’de to use the bathroom. Sent a letter to Princess when I got back which went no where. Other lines like Disney and Holland America had the hand wipe stations all over.