Second Cruise Ship, Queen Mary 2, Hit By Norovirus Outbreak

A second cruise ship, the Queen Mary 2, has been hit by a suspected Norovirus bug. Cunard, the owner of the latest cruise ship to get hit, stated that there are 19 passengers on the boat with “active symptoms” as of Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control notes that 194 passengers and 11 crew members reported being sick during the cruise, though the causing agent of the illness is currently listed as “unknown.”

ABC News reports that the cruise line released a statement, saying:

“There has been an incidence of a mild gastrointestinal illness among the passengers on Queen Mary 2. This illness is suspected to be Norovirus, which is highly contagious and typically transmitted from person to person.”

The Queen Mary 2 cruise ship is currently on a 12-day tour from New York to the Caribbean and departed on December 22. The ship is currently docked in St. Lucia, according to Cunard’s website.

The BBC notes that the affected passengers are being quarantined in their cabins and that “enhanced sanitation protocols” have been put into practice to prevent more people from coming down with the illness. A company spokesperson added, “The safety and comfort of passengers and crew is always our number one priority.”

The potential Norovirus outbreak on the Queen Mary 2 follows another similar incident on Princess cruise lines’ Emerald Princess. Five percent of passengers on board, 166, plus 30 crew members, fell ill during the voyage. This ship finally docked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Thursday. A statement released by Cunard cruise lines added:

“The Captain is regularly updating the passengers and crew on the situation and is advising passengers with gastrointestinal symptoms to report to the medical center. Unwell passengers are asked to comply with the doctor’s instructions and isolate themselves in their cabin until non-contagious.”

The Queen Mary 2 is considered one of the world’s most luxurious cruise liners. It boasts a Canyon Ranch spa, planetarium, ballroom, and even the first Veuve Clicquot champagne bar at sea. It is not likely that passengers affected by the illness will be compensated for the cruise.