The media just can't get enough of sensationalizing the cruise industry. It's a shame when passengers get the norovirus on a ship, but the media makes it seem that this happens because the cruise ship is harboring this illness.
The number one problem is not the ship, but the passenger who embarks on their cruise and lies when they complete the mandatory form which asks if the passenger has been sick, especially with vomiting or diarrhea, in the 3 days prior to the sail date.
What needs to be pointed out is that the cruise ships are always promoting proper washing of the hands, and they are there hand sanitizers at the entrance to all the restaurants. If passengers took care to keep their hands clean their chances of getting sick from the norovirus diminishes greatly.
How many times do you see someone who does not wash their hands after using a public restroom? Cruise ships even have signs in the restrooms with instructions as to how long you should wash your hands to ensure they are clean. The CDC has compiled handwashing instructions as well.
Theresa Norton Masek has written a great article for Travel Pulse regarding this topic. Please read and remember, it's not the cruise ship, it's the passengers, just as it would be at a school, hospital, mall, etc.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
