2007-11-11 16:10:19 · 7 answers · asked by Miel 2 in Travel ➔ Cruise Travel
You have good advice from US_DR_JD & Tinkertoy. Regarding Mildred S advice, however, this is the over-reaction that causes people to worry. If the cruise ships did not have to make CDC reports, and the media not want to publicize the information, you would never think anything about it.
Also, Norwalk in a virus of the Caliciviridae family, and has nothing to do with e. coli bacteria. Therefore there is no point in taking antibiotics as they would be totally ineffective against a viral infection. Incidentally, Norwalk is thought to be responsible for 50% of the cases of viral gastroeneritis worldwide. It is extremely common, and outbreaks happen everywhere. When groups of students miss school and their parents miss work due to "a stomach bug" they just stay home and have a little diarrhea and stomach cramping. It just seems worse when you isolate 400 of those people on one cruise ship. Of course those 400 people shared this virus since they did not wash their hands properly.
As a health instructor used to tell us; "When you get a stomach virus and diarrhea, its because you didn't wash your hands and you are eating someone else's doo doo"
2007-11-12 16:46:35 · answer #1 · answered by Joe DeWeese 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is Norwalk virus everywhere. You see large numbers reported on cruises ships simply for the fact that cruise ships report their communicable disease statistics to the CDC. This does not happen to schools and other areas where the outbreaks are just as common.
The best protection from Norwalk or any viral condition while onboard ship is handwashing. People with the viruses use the handrails when using stairs, and moving around the ship more than they would if walking through a non-moving structure.
Make sure you wash your hands after handling items used by the general public, and before manipulating your face.
Your risk is no greater on the NCL Pride of Aloha than any other ship, airplane or hotel room.
2007-11-12 02:21:55 · answer #2 · answered by US_DR_JD 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you should be concerned, but the solution is pretty simple. We just got back from an NCL cruise, not on the Pride, but another ship. The ship made a concerted effort to control Norwalk. First they had two hand sanitizers at the gangway when all passengers initially boarded the ship and also has a staff person standing there telling all passengers to use it. They also had the sanitizers at the gangways at every port stop. Then they had hand sanitizers at the entrances of every restaurant and a person standing there telling ALL passengers to use it.
You can also help keep yourself safe by not only using the sanitizers but also washing your hands before eating, after using the bathrooms, and also by carrying with you your own personal travel sized bottle of hand sanitizer (about $1.00 at many stores), or carry hand wipes. These will be particularly important and useful when you are off the ship on tours or exploring where restroom facilities may not be very clean or have hand washing/cleaning supplies.
2007-11-12 09:23:05 · answer #3 · answered by TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ncl had huge problems with norwalk on the JEM ship in April . the cafterias shut down and no one was allowed to touch anything , they served the food to everyone with plastic gloves. all i can tell you is that it's an e coli kind of thing. ask your family doctor before you go. maybe you can take along your own antibiotics . if you report the sickness to the ships doc , you will get quaranteed to your room as will all other passengers in your room. they will deliver food to you but you can't leave room/cabin for three days.
i did not get sick. i was terrified as i ran into many people that did. i started eating like i was in a 3rd world country . using hand santizer like crazy. withdrawing from conversations too close to people . bought cheetos in us port and ate those a couple nights .lol
i had a great time . just wish i could have enjoyed more of the food / had less concerns. feaer.
2007-11-12 08:31:06 · answer #4 · answered by Mildred S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are going on a different ship, so you shouldn't really be concerned, even if you were travelling on the Pride of Hawaii, as soon as the ship reaches its home port it will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
The best thing to do when cruising is to use the hand sanitisers that are placed around the ship at every opportunity. especially before going into the bars and restaurants. (there are staff at the doors to restaurants to ensure that everyone sanitises before going in).
As long as you are aware of the possibility of infection and use every means at you disposal not to get infected you should be fine.
I am sure you will have a great cruise. Enjoy it.
2007-11-12 08:48:46 · answer #5 · answered by Lew 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I woudlnt be as concerned with Norwalk as I would with the fact that the people that were on the infected ship were not given a COMPLETE REFUND for a horrible cruise experience!
2007-11-14 16:01:40 · answer #6 · answered by david 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there.. My name is Greg and I'm heading out on the Pride of Hawaii this Monday.. I did find a good place for updates from people aborad the ship...
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=12325177
I have a friend on Kauai, who I've asked to keep an eye on the situation for me... From what I've read it's 'under control'
2007-11-14 02:22:45 · answer #7 · answered by Gregory B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋