The Herald Sun is reporting the Golden Princess has been hit with a gastrointestinal sickness which is spreading onboard. It’s not yet clear how many passengers and crew have become ill from the stomach bug over the cruise.
The Gastro bug is also known as Norovirus which can also be found on land. The bug can spread in confined spaces with lots of people and cruise lines will usually activate their outbreak procedures during these times. The stomach bug causes vomiting and diarrhea and passengers are usually advised to stay in their cabins to help stop the spread.
Crew members will usually do extra cleaning and sanitizing onboard especially around public areas. Passengers will be updated and advised on how to protect themselves from getting sick.
The 109,000 gross ton ship is sailing a 14 Days New Caledonia & Vanuatu which departed Melbourne, Australia on March 8. The ship is scheduled to arrive back on March 22. We can expect Australian health authorities to board the ship once it arrives at its home port to investigate the outbreak further.
The ship can carry over 2,500 guests at double occupancy. Cruise Hive has contacted Princess Cruises regarding the Gastro bug and will update this post once we get a response.
