Norovirus question (because of the Explorer and Majesty in the past two weeks)

[LrgPizza]

HAL has been experimenting (for several years) with an onboard program they call "Code Orange." This program implements several strategies during the first 48 hours of any cruise...including roping off most common buffet areas and having everything served by staff (who wear gloves), removing salt and pepper shakers from the Lido buffets, not allowing passengers to get their own ice or drinks from dispensers, etc.

 

I sailed the Disney Magic once when this was taking place. We were not allowed to serve ourselves anything at the buffet the entire cruise, or get our own drinks at any of the self-serve soda stations.

[ehfl]

Norovirus is extremely common in the environment. Your immune system can easily fight the virus, however immunity is short-lived.

 

So the best thing you can do is to prepare your immune system BEFORE the cruise. Once you are on the cruise, it's too late.

 

Don't put yourself in a sterile bubble. You need to be out and about an exposed to the virus at the mall, at work, etc. Go ahead, touch those doorknobs. Get a shopping cart without wiping it down with purell. Build up a strong immunity.

 

Then when aboard, use common sense. Wash hands before and after handling food utensiles. Purell does not kill norovirus, so the only way to make sure you won't get sick from it is to make sure your immune system will kill it. Bring immodium just in case.

Edited January 26, 2014 by ehfl

[kitty9]

A year ago, we were on an 11 day Celebrity cruise, and on day 7, Noro hit. They went to code red, removed everything from the restaurants like salt and pepper shakers and even the vases with the flowers. They closed the library, had servers in the buffet, removed all decorations and table menus from the bars and lounges, wiped the machines in the casino constantly, and they even removed the bibles, decorative pillows, bed skirts and water pitchers in the cabins. They posted people in the public restrooms to basically force people to wash their hands. I spoke with one of the ladies, and she told me I would be shocked by how many women she had to block from leaving the restroom because they didn't wash their hands. How gross!!!!

[dkjretired]

I agree with Merion_Mom.

 

It absolutely disgusts me to see how many people do NOT use sanitizer while going into the Windjammer. )

 

Some people like myself are allergic so I don't use them. They are basically a feel good measure for the cruise lines.

[screwsmcernst]

When I travel, I always have Clorox wipes with me. People think you get sick on planes from the air you breathe, but it is actually from what you touch. When I get on a plane, I always wipe down EVERYTHING that I will touch. Even the seat backs. the gentleman next to my DH looked at me like I had 2 heads, but when I got finished, and he saw how dirty everything was, he asked if he could have a few to use. I push elevator buttons with my elbows, and if I touch something with my hands, I try very hard not to touch my face until I wash. Noro-virus happens. It's flu season. I think cruise ships try very hard to prevent it, but people have to be proactive, and wash hands.

 

Our last cruise, we were served by crew everyday in the buffet. we never served ourselves. I really like that idea.

[sail7seas]

You have already identified the best preventative: frequent hand-washing with lots of soap.

 

Other than that, the only way to avoid contagious diseases is to stay home and not allow anyone from the outside world into your house.

 

 

 

The best way to avoid catching Noro like viruses is two prong:

 

Wash, wash, wash with lots of soap and it does not necessarily have to be anti-bacterial.

 

The other very important prong is to avoid touching your face. No hands to eyes, nose and mouth. If you have virus on your hands, without a portal for the virus to enter your body you will not become infected. Eyes, nose, mouth, open wounds are excellent entry points.

 

Edited January 27, 2014 by sail7seas

[dkjretired]

Cruise ships get the publicity, but that's not where the most cases of norovirus are:

 

 

Yup, 35 million Americans get Noro every year, a little over 4000 on cruise ships.

[sail7seas]

Noro virus is the second most common illness.......

second only to the common cold.

[tankwastheworldsbestdog]

Looking to sail RC in June. Will there be any drop in the prices because of this bad publicity?

Aside from that--is it better to buy now or closer to the date?

 

I'm not a financial guru, but I was reading various financial news website's articles today that all suggested that since RCI was very proactive regarding this illness incident that they didn't expect to see a rush to discount RCI's cruises in the coming months. So I would suggest just booking the cruise and cabin that you would most enjoy instead of hoping for a discount? I've been cruising 3.5 decades and in the overall scheme of things, I've found that paying a higher price to get a cabin in a better location (away from stairs, elevators, above/under certain activities or restaurants) is always worth the extra very minimal cost...it's about enjoying the cruising experience, because when you divide the number of days of your cruise by the entire number of days in each year, why not make your cruise as peaceful and enjoyable as possible?

[tankwastheworldsbestdog]

Norovirus is extremely common in the environment. Your immune system can easily fight the virus, however immunity is short-lived.

 

So the best thing you can do is to prepare your immune system BEFORE the cruise. Once you are on the cruise, it's too late.

 

Don't put yourself in a sterile bubble. You need to be out and about an exposed to the virus at the mall, at work, etc. Go ahead, touch those doorknobs. Get a shopping cart without wiping it down with purell. Build up a strong immunity.

 

Then when aboard, use common sense. Wash hands before and after handling food utensiles. Purell does not kill norovirus, so the only way to make sure you won't get sick from it is to make sure your immune system will kill it. Bring immodium just in case.

 

My best friend is a MRSA research scientist and she would completely agree with your advice! Great common sense, thanks for sharing your info.

[okgirl]

I think it is interesting and significant that in the past 5 years the CDC only lists 13 major outbreaks on cruise ships. Given how many ships sail on a weekly/annual basis this is a far less common occurrence than the media would have us believe.

 

I got a noro like virus, as did many in my dorm room in college 40 years ago. It was truly miserable. I'm diligent in all walks of my life to wash my hands often, always before I eat, and rarely eat in the buffet or use utensils that have been handled by others.