Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Radiance of the Seas recently suffered an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness, affecting 150 passengers and 3 crew members. The ships next departure was delayed, so that a thorough cleaning could be done. Many travelers will be concerned that this is going to be a trend in 2011. I think that will not be the case, because several years ago the cruise industry increased prevention efforts, and the number of outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships sailing from U.S. ports dropped again in 2010, continuing a downward trend. I read an article in USA Today, which said that outbreaks of illness on cruise ships dropped to lowest level since 2001. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta recorded just 14 outbreaks of illnesses such as Norovirus on ships operating out of U.S. ports for the year, down from 15 in 2009 and in 2008, 21 in 2007 and 34 in 2006. Sometimes called the "24-hour flu" even though it is unrelated to influenza, Norovirus is the most common cause of gastrointestinal illness in the United States, accounting for around half of all cases, according to the CDC. It breaks out regularly in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, offices and other places people congregate.
Beth Hampton, ACC
Travel Specialist
Accredited Cruise Counsellor
(336) 605-9926
(919) 341-4164
Beth@4MoonsTravel.com
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