10 family members catch norovirus on cruise
A honeymoon vacation turned sour for one family when 10 members caught a norovirus aboard a seven-day cruise.
The family were travelling to the Bahamas with Royal Caribbean cruises but while celebrating their recent marriage, Ashley Morris, her husband, her two children, her parents, nieces and sister-in-law fell sick on the Anthem of the Seas.
“My family is suffering now,” Ashley tod WPVI.
On the second day of the cruise, Ashely heard rumours aboard the ship about a fast-spreading virus.
Ashley said workers in masks and protective gear were spotted sanitizing narrow hallways on the ships but the virus had already started to spread.
"Some hand-sanitizing stations, they didn't have any sanitizer available to us. They were out of soap at certain sinks, there were no sanitizing stations at the elevators," she said.
Her family accused the ship’s managers of not doing enough to prevent the spread of the virus, which is transmitted by touching others or germ-covered surfaces.
"You call Royal Caribbean and they want medical documentation," Ashely said.
"They're not compensating anyone in any way until medical documentation is given."
Royal Caribbean said it was aware of 98 reported cases of gastro-intestinal illness symptoms. The 98 cases represent about 2 per cent of the 4,905 passengers and crew onboard.
“Those affected by the short-lived illness are being treated by the ship's doctors and responded well to over-the-counter medication, and guests were encouraged to ensure hand hygiene standards remain high at all times to prevent the spread of any illness during the remainder of the cruise,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement.
“There have been numerous reports of multiple strains of gastrointestinal illnesses in the community in Australia in recent months.”