For the second time in the last three weeks, a Princess Cruise Ship, the “Crown Princess”, shipping out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was forced to return to port early due to a sweeping outbreak of norovirus.
The ship was “sanitized” following its last voyage when it returned to port with approximately 200 people onboard sick. Following that outbreak, Princess claimed it conducted a thorough “sanitization” of the ship, declared it safe for passengers, and allowed it to depart on February 4 for a seven day cruise to Curacao and Aruba.
However, Princess’ assurance to its passengers was, apparently, premature and irresponsible–the ship returned to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale today with another 200+ passengers sick with the stomach virus.
According to the CDC, the Norovirus is spread from person to person through contaminated food or by touch. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and can be particularly dangerous or even life-threatening for very small children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.
If you or someone you know contracted the Norovirus on a Cruise, feel free to contact the Maritime Lawyers at Lawlor, Winston, White & Murphey at info@lawlorwinston.com or 954-525-2345 (toll free 1-877-267-6022).