November 21, 2002

A restaurant in Salt Lake City apparently had an outbreak, with 64 people complaining of illness after eating at the aptly-named Chuck-a-Rama yesterday.

Seabourn Pride ©Seabourn Cruise Lines

The Norwegian Sun had it in October, and Celebrity Cruise's Constellation had it at the beginning of this month. Even one of the upscale Seabourn "yachts" was briefly affected just a few weeks ago.

The Norwalk is an equal-opportunity virus.

"Our outbreak lasted just a few days," says Bruce Good of Seabourn, "and it was never definitely determined to be the Norwalk. As soon as we heard from a few of our passengers that they were ill, we took immediate measures to disinfect and follow our protocols for issues like these. We were very lucky."

NLV, or "Norwalk Like Virus," is a gastrointestinal ailment with flu-like symptoms, easily spread through contaminated materials. It is not airborne, but can occasionally be carried in water or affected uncooked food items. It is most often contracted by touching something, like a stair railing or door knob. The symptoms are generally mild, and characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. "Mild" or not, these are hardly symptoms you want while on a cruise vacation.

Holland America's Amsterdam is the latest to make big headlines, with four outbreaks in the past few weeks. Holland America Line has cancelled the Amsterdam's Thanksgiving sailing, a 10-day "Southern Caribbean Seafarer" departing from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) in order to thoroughly disinfect the ship.

The Centers for Disease Control is overseeing the cleanup. An investigation by the agency reported that the virus was being spread from person to person and that no food nor water had been contaminated.

"This 10-day period will give us the time to make sure that the ship is pristine, and ready to sail on December 1," said spokesman Erik Elvejord of Holland America. "We'll go through every crevice and eradicate whatever is there so that our passengers can have full confidence in the Amsterdam when she sails again."

Norwegian Sun photo ©NCL

"A cruise ship is one of the safest and cleanest environments in which a consumer can spend a vacation" says Susan Robison, director of public relations for Norwegian Cruise Line. "NCL takes great pride in the efforts that go into keeping it that way."

Only the common cold is reported more frequently than gastrointestinal viruses, or gastroenteritis. NLV accounts for about a third of the reported illnesses, and although the shipboard outbreaks have made news, the virus is not at all uncommon. Avoiding it can be simple: Lots and lots of handwashing.

Holland America Amsterdam photo courtesy HALW

"Studies have proven," says Elvejord, "that school kids who wash their hands several times a day are 30% less likely to miss school due to illness. One of the best ways to stay healthy, whether avoiding NLV or a cold, is to keep your hands clean."

Holland America Line notified its passengers of the decision to cancel the November 21 sailing and has offered several alternatives including a full refund and discount on a future cruise.

The cancellation was entirely voluntary on the part of Holland America. "The CDC did not request this," says a CDC spokesperson.

"We want our passengers happy," says Elvejord. "And for the most part we succeed. Since the beginning of October we have carried 60,000 passengers on our fleet, and of those, 454 have gotten ill. By taking this proactive measure [with the cancellation of the Amsterdam's November 21 sailing] we will be doing everything possible to continue our fine record of value and service to our clientele."

All other Holland America Line ships and MS Amsterdam sailings will operate as scheduled.

See also:

Holland America Line

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Yachts of Seabourn

Celebrity Cruises