Norovirus outbreak affects 200 people on Ovation of the Seas

This week, around 200 people were affected by norovirus aboard Australia’s largest ship, the Ovation of the Seas.

But while passengers praised the crew for helping them and keeping them informed, there is much you can do yourself to avoid this scourge of the seas.

Cruise lines have a strict mandate on cleanliness and most cruise lines have staff all over the ship constantly cleaning public areas – you’ll see them wiping balcony balustrades, scrubbing surfaces, moping and cleaning door handles.

But remember, when you’re on a cruise ship, you’re in close quarters with hundreds to thousands of people. Passengers, before boarding, are required to fill out questionnaires asking if they have had symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever or a sore throat – thus there is a risk that people are not honest about their health.

Cruise lines are vigilant about making sure you stay happy and healthy. Staff onboard lines like Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Carnival have staff at the buffet who will ask you to use the hand sanitizers before grabbing a bite.

“Washy washy!” is the constant cry.

Others like Cunard and Holland America Line have a ‘no handshaking’ policy at their Meet the Officers parties. HAL even goes as far as getting their staff to serve you at the Lido buffet.