Multiple news sources are reporting that an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness has stricken "at least 66 passengers and 17 crew members" aboard Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess.
A spokesperson for Princess Cruises says that the nasty digestive bug is likely norovirus.
There have been 6 prior gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships calling on U.S. ports this year. There were just 9 in all of last year.
We have been contacted by passengers complaining that passengers were sick and there was a strong smell of vomit in the hallways.
Norovirus has plagued the image of the cruise line. There was a massive outbreak aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas in January. A recent Harris Poll revealed that norovirus was one reason why the public does not perceive cruising as safe or reliable.
We previously reported on a norovirus case involving the Crown Princess – Here We Go Again: Norovirus Sickens 100 Passengers on Crown Princess Sailing to Galveston
April 10 2014 Update: The infected count is now at 104 passengers and 25 crew members on the Crown Princess.