P&O’s cruise ships are the best. Iona, A suspected norovirus was recently reported during a 7-day cruise in Northern Europe. The passengers reported a wide spread illness which raised concerns over the spreading of the highly contagious norovirus in the confines of the cruise ship.
Norovirus Outbreak and its Impact
You can also find out more about the following: IonaP&O Cruises operates a cruise line that can accommodate over 5,000 passengers. There are also 1,800 crew. During the trip, a norovirus outbreak caused passengers to experience vomiting and diarrhea. Sky News reported that a passenger said people had fallen ill both in the public areas and the private ones of the ship.
The Norovirus is a highly contagious illness
According to the Mayo Clinic’s definition, norovirus is a virus which can be highly contagious and cause dehydration, or even death in certain cases. Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne illnesses and vomiting in the United States, according to the CDC. The virus spreads quickly through contact with infected people, contaminated surfaces and contaminated drinks or food. Norovirus is spread quickly on cruise ships and in hospitals, schools, and other public places.
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Cruise and Outbreak Timeline Details
You can also find out more about the following: Iona The 15th February, the ship left Southampton in England. Captain of the ship reportedly reported the outbreak Thursday midway through the cruise. The cruise coincided with half-term in UK schools, so a large number of families would have been on board.
Itinerary included visits to Hamburg in Germany, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and Zeebrugge in Belgium before returning Southampton. Passengers that became ill had to remain in their cabins. P&O denies that shortages of staff caused delays with essential supplies.
What passengers think and feel about their travel experience
Unknown to one passenger, a number of people were vomiting publicly in front of other passengers. According to a person with the condition, there were also issues regarding the availability of medication. One person reported that it was “impossible to buy or obtain any medication to assist with symptoms onboard.” They were also unable to purchase “gastrointestinal suspension medications or replacement salts/fluids sachets.”
P&O Cruises has refuted the claims that medications are in short supply, and stated that they have a medical centre on board where medication is readily available. Also, they stressed that guests have access to a 24/7 support line.
P&O Cruises’ Response
P&O Cruises confirmed that gastrointestinal symptoms were reported by some passengers, but stated that less than 1 percent of the people on board had been affected. The cruise line reiterated its commitment in working with the public health authorities for everyone’s health.
Settlement and Compensation
As scheduled, the cruise ship returned to Southampton. P&O Cruises announced that those guests unable to depart at their planned destination due to illness will receive a full refund. According to the cruise line, it closely follows public health recommendations to contain and control norovirus spread within its fleet. This will keep passengers safe.