United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Norovirus strikes again as Caribbean cruise returns early
For the second time this week, a Caribbean cruise has been cut short to return home after a suspected norovirus outbreak on board.
In the latest incident, the Caribbean Princess arrived back at Houston’s Bayport Cruise terminal last night after an estimated 165 passengers were struck with a gastrointestinal illness consistent with norovirus, according to officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The vessel had been on a western Caribbean cruise since January 25 and was originally due back in Houston on Saturday.
Norovirus is a fast moving, highly contagious infection that causes strong vomiting and diarrhea.
Princess Cruises spokeswoman Julie Benson said no passengers are expected to be admitted to hospital, adding that all will be provided with overnight accommodation and will receive a 20% credit for a future cruise.
Benson said the vessel will "undergo a thorough sanitization" before the next scheduled cruise on Saturday.
The cruise line also said the reason for cutting short the voyage was due to fog.
This latest outbreak is the third so far this year.
Norovirus is also suspected as the cause of an outbreak earlier this week on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas which affected over 600 passengers and crew.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled