Demystifying the Myths of Norovirus Home > Cruise Planning > Demystifying the Myths of Norovirus
Cruise industry executives tell us that they're still shaking
their heads over general confusion about the easily communicable virus.
Here, we tackle the most common myths we've heard one at a time.
Myth #1: It is not safe to cruise because of Norovirus. Reality: The epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that's absolutely untrue. Says David Forney, chief of the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program, which oversees health and sanitation aboard ships that visit U.S. ports, "it is perfectly safe to go on cruise ships. The
standard by which they (cruise lines) are held for sanitation is the highest
in the world."
In fact, cruise lines have developed proactive procedures to ensure that passengers on voyages, particularly throughout the winter season, don't get sick. For example, Royal Caribbean International's multi-pronged strategy includes a task force to oversee health and sanitation efforts, a three-stage illness-prevention program and enhanced passenger communication efforts.
Myth #2: Vessels that experience outbreaks are "sick" ships. Reality: Not at all. In most if not all cases, the ships involved have scored very high on the CDC's notoriously strenuous vessel sanitation inspection. It wasn't the ships that were sick; it was the folks who came onboard and passed the illness around. Norovirus is, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the most contagious gastrointestinal illnesses in the world.
Myth #3: Norovirus is a cruise ship phenomenon. Reality: That's simply not true. Norovirus is second to the common
cold in reported illnesses, impacting millions of people around the world
each year. Norovirus, previously known as Norwalk Virus, was actually named for a land-based outbreak in Norwalk, Ohio, that originally occurred some 30 years ago. It can break out at any time of the year.
Myth #4: There is no way cruise ships can battle the spread of Norovirus. Reality: Again, not true. There are intense -- and even more intense -- cleaning and service protocols that cruise lines follow when the possibility of a
spreadable virus onboard exists. These protocols have only become more, not
less, sophisticated over time. A Princess Cruises spokeswoman says, "Princess staff and crew are trained to be extremely vigilant regarding passenger health, and the line operates a thorough health monitoring system. Employees receive special training and utilize a rigorous sanitary protocol that meets or exceeds CDC requirements."
Medical facilities on many ships are even equipped to test specimen samples onboard -- which means that doctors can get results (and implement necessary measures) much more quickly than in the past.
Also in place are service-related mandates; many buffet areas are no longer
serve-yourself, passengers get a "welcome letter" offering stay-healthy tips
about washing hands frequently, and those who do contract the disease are
encouraged to stay in their cabin for a day or two so as not to spread
Norovirus when it's at its most communicable.
The second, more intense category involves taking the ship out of commission
for a massive cleaning. Back in the fall of 2002, Holland America couldn't break the cycle after four cruises on Amsterdam despite enhanced cleaning; it took the ship out of commission and embarked on an ambitious program. This included sanitizing television remote controls and bibles, disinfecting poker chips and currency, discarding every pillow -- more than 2,500 -- and steam cleaning carpets. The end result? Amsterdam's follow-up cruise was, thankfully, Norovirus-free.
Myth #5: Norovirus is caused by uncooked food. Reality: That can be a cause, but Norovirus is typically spread through person-to-person contact.
Myth #6: Norovirus is seasonal Reality: The number of outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness onboard cruise ships doesn't necessarily spike during the winter, says Captain Jaret Ames, program director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vessel Sanitation Program. In fact, because Noro outbreaks can occur anytime, when a spike occurs will vary from year to year.
So, why is the gruesome illness often associated with winter -- and even referred to as the "winter vomiting bug" in the U.K.? Well, that's because even if there are not more cases than usual, you can almost rest assured that there will consistently be some cases in the winter. A likely cause is people spending more times indoors (to escape the cold, no doubt), which facilitates the spread of germs.
Cruise industry executives tell us that they're still shaking
their heads over general confusion about the easily communicable virus.
Here, we tackle the most common myths we've heard one at a time.
Want to know more? Check out 