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28 November 2012 09:21
A virus on a cruise ship has left 150 people ill
A virus outbreak on a cruise ship has left almost 150 people sick. The norovirus struck down eight crew and 135 passengers on the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas as it sailed back to Sydney, Australia, from New Zealand.
The outbreak caused queues several hundred metres-long at the terminal in the city harbour's Circular Quay as new passengers waited for hours to get on the ship. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of having medical travel insurance and cruise travel insurance.
According to Royal Caribbean, the long line of people was caused by new passengers ignoring the staggered times for boarding. But those in the queue were apparently told that the virus outbreak was the reason for the delay.
New passengers had to fill out forms detailing their recent medical history, such as whether they had suffered either flu-like or gastro-related symptoms. Anyone who answered yes was given a medical examination before boarding. In a statement, Royal Caribbean said: "Those affected by the short-lived illness have responded well to over-the-counter medication administered on board the ship."
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