| Date Published: April 11, 2003 |
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 Latest Cruise News Headlines
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| Star Cruises Has Possible SARS Outbreak |
Malaysia-based Star Cruises -- parent of Norwegian Cruise Lines and Orient
Lines -- is the first to report the possibility of an outbreak, apparently
limited, of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Two crew members on
76,000-ton SuperStar Virgo have been taken to hospitals and 13 others have
been quarantined. As a result, Star Cruises has canceled the ship's next two
cruises; one's a weekend sailing and another, a five day voyage, was slated
for a Sunday departure.
While this appears to be the first cruise-related SARS outbreak, it is
important to note that the two crew members have not officially been
diagnosed with the illness and appear, according to media reports from
Malaysia, to be recovering. Cruise Critic's call to STAR Cruises sister line
NCL to confirm that fact was not returned.
The cruise line, which sails Asia-based itineraries had, early on,
proactively instituted a number of changes -- both onboard and in policy --
to keep SARS at bay. Among them included posting medical staff at
embarkation areas to screen passengers, offering face masks, and providing
information on SARS and its symptoms. Rising concern over the easy
catchability of SARS in Asia resulted in changes as well by U.S.-oriented
cruise lines like Holland America, Princess and Crystal, which are operating
ships in the Asia region. These included a quick revision of itineraries and
re-routing passengers who might be traveling through -- or spending time in
-- key SARS-affected cities like Singapore and Hong Kong.
Yesterday, we reported that efforts have spread beyond ships sailing in Asia
as cruise lines such as Carnival and Princess have stepped up surveillance
and education efforts at every port of embarkation. | |
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