MORE than 140 people on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship suddenly fell ill on-board during a round-trip to Mexico.
Some travelers were left vomiting, while others were suffering from diarrhea.
GettyOver 140 people fell ill while on board Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of The Seas vessel[/caption]
AlamyCruise passengers swimming in the pools and lounging on the ship’s sun roof (stock)[/caption]
A total of 134 passengers and seven crew members complained of feeling ill while on board The Navigator of the Seas vessel.
The ship had left Los Angeles on July 4 and was heading to Mexico.
It docked in Puerto Vallarta on July 8 before arriving back in Los Angeles three days later, according to its Cruise Mapper itinerary.
Health chiefs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not identified a cause behind the outbreak.
But, vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of norovirus.
Other symptoms include fever, headache and body aches.
The virus, which is highly contagious, is known as the stomach flu.
People who contract norovirus tend to see an improvement in their symptoms within one to three days.
But, health chiefs have warned the virus can still be spread.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the health and safety of crew members and passengers are the company’s top priority, as per USA Today.
What is norovirus
Norovirus is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK and is also referred to as “the winter vomiting bug”, although it can affect people all year round.
It is very unpleasant but it usually clears itself up in a few days.
It commonly spreads through food or water that is contaminated during preparation or through contaminated surfaces and through close contact with a person who is infected.
Norovirus infection occurs most frequently in closed and crowded environments. Examples include hospitals, nursing homes, child care centres, schools and cruise ships.
The main symptoms are:
Feeling sick (nausea)
Diarrhoea
Being sick (vomiting)
A high temperature
A headache
Aching arms and legs
Most people who contract norovirus tend to get better within one to three days.
The virus easily spreads around public places and is transmitted when a tiny particle of vomit or poo from an infected person gets into someone else’s mouth.
There is no cure for the virus, but there are ways the symptoms can be eased:
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid getting dehydrated
Take paracetamol to ease aches and pains
Rest – a lot
Eat plain foods (if you can manage eating)
Rehydrate with rehydration salts which you can buy in a sachet
Adults can take antidiarrhoeal tablets
Travelers who reported symptoms were isolated and the ship was cleaned.
Last September, 180 people fell ill on board Royal Caribbean‘s Radiance of the Seas ship.
The outbreak happened during a trip to Alaska.
The Navigator of the Seas maiden voyage was in 2002 and was refurbished in 2024.
It’s commonly used for trips from Los Angeles to different Mexican destinations.
The vessel recently left Los Angeles on July 11, docking in Cabo San Lucas, Mazaltan, and the tourist hotspot of Puerto Vallarta.
It is due to arrive in Los Angeles at 7am local time on July 18.
The ship’s capacity is approximately 3,300 and it boasts 17 bars and more than 12 dining options.
It has features such as rock climbing wall, escape room, ice skating rink, and a surf simulator.
On board the ship there are three pools and six whirlpools, as well as a riptide waterslide.
The ship, which cost $650 million to build, has 15 decks – nine of which have cabins.
It is around 1020 feet long and can reach top speeds of 25mph.
AlamyTravelers enjoying the views from the 11th deck of the ship (stock)[/caption]
AlamyPassengers at an Expresso bar on the ship’s Royal Promenade deck (stock)[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
