Royal Princess - 2nd Cruise with Norovirus Outbreak

[dtagirl]

My daughter's oncologist said to use Germ-X when she was going through chemo treatments. Have only used it since, has the bensalkonium chloride in it and no alcohol. At the time searched all over and found it at Sam's Club! This year very excited to find it also at Sam's in Wipes travel size. Take them with us everywhere, and just got off Royal today and no noro for us. There was 2 cases on our floor, near our cabin, but we were lucky. And washed our hands all the time!

[pjchow]

Another Noro preventive to check out on Amazon: Clorox Healthcare Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes, Kills Norovirus, Rotavirus, HIV - 6.75" x 5.75... It is listed today at $14.99.

We purchased these for our Hawaiian cruise on the Star. We cut some in half in the mornings, put them in a plastic bag and used them often. We would hold them in our hands to grab the serving spoons in the HC and wipe tables, we wiped down our arm rests in the theater and anywhere we sat. We took them to the casino to wipe down the buttons on every machine we sat at. Husband has kidney transplant with spleen removed so no immunity.

I plan to check out the Germ-x and Germstar for our Oct cruise on the Royal. Thanks to everyone for the ideas given on this thread.

[TomCruises]

By using the product I mentioned in post #13, along with the hand washing.

 

For info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand_sanitizer

 

(Product I use has Benzalkonium chloride in it. Or benzethonium chloride is ok too.)

 

 

 

Not nearly as effective as Germstar NERO 63% ethyl alcohol

[TomCruises]

Germstar NORO is used on NCL Ships and they no longer have a NORO issue!

Available on Amazon 6 - 2oz Spray Bottles including shipping for $21.00.

[Mackenzie1]

Germstar NORO is used on NCL Ships and they no longer have a NORO issue!

Available on Amazon 6 - 2oz Spray Bottles including shipping for $21.00.

 

Thanks, TomCruises. The 2 oz bottles are especially convenient because we can carry them in our pockets. We can also get 2 ounce bottles of hand soap to carry with us, too.

Edited March 10, 2015 by Mackenzie1

[gottagocit]

It seems to me that using the hand sanitizers before entering the buffet protects others from the germs and viruses on YOUR hands, not the other way around. It would make more sense to use it after you handle the serving utensils. Of course, if everyone took precautions it would be be a moot issue.

 

Lol. I get a few funny looks sometimes because I use the hand sanitizer before and after going through the buffet line. It only takes a moment and may help prevent someone else's carelessness (or perhaps ignorance) from ruining my voyage. There are plenty of other places on the ship to contract noro or any number of other bugs but this location is easily managed with the tools provided at the entrance of the buffet given Princess now uses the type that kills them.

 

In my opinion unless you truly are allergic to the solution it is irresponsible and selfish not to use the cleaner when entering the buffet or dining room for that matter particularly when an outbreak is ongoing.

Edited March 10, 2015 by gottagocit

[Tedferg]

I had to change dressings for my DW after surgery, the nurse said to sing Happy Birthday song while washing my hands. Amazing how long it takes to thoroughly clean hands. She also said it is the mechanical aspect of water washing the virus off that is important.

 

Second point - we wash our hands; sanitize; use knuckle to call elevator etc. but the last thing we do is get hold of the chair in the dining room :(

[rdsqrl]

Germstar NORO is used on NCL Ships and they no longer have a NORO issue!

Available on Amazon 6 - 2oz Spray Bottles including shipping for $21.00.

OMG, do you get commission on this or something? You've posted about it like 6000 times. We hear you.

[caribill]

Germstar NORO is used on NCL Ships and they no longer have a NORO issue!

 

CDC reportable from Nov.13 through Feb. 15 (16 months)

 

RCI 4

Princess 3

Holland America 2

NCL 2

Celebrity 1

[pjrockman]

I have followed this thread and have been researching each product mentioned. I am intrigued by the topic. If you believe that alcohol is the magic ingredient, then the Clorox spray (02174) has 70% content, as opposed to the other listed products (mentioned above on Amazon) that only have 63%. There is also limited info on the Benzalkonium Chloride products.

 

However, this page that I found on the Iowa Public Health site indicates that neither alcohol nor BZK are effective against Noro. I will continue to look for a product (other than straight up bleach!)

 

Hope this link comes through: http://www.idph.state.ia.us/idph_universalhelp/MainContent.aspx?glossaryInd=0&TOCId=%7BA30556B6-DD0B-4C83-BF8E-18B046B954F1%7D

 

However, if not, Google idph Noro and it should pop up.

 

Hope this helps, since it won't settle the debate.

 

Paul

Edited March 10, 2015 by pjrockman

[Woobstr112G]

Second cruise in a row for the Royal Princess with a norovirus outbreak! Passengers on these ships continue to bypass hand sanitize stations, drop spoons into the food trays at the buffet and don't wash their hands on a regular basis. We need to start treating them like first graders or the outbreaks will continue!!

 

Nobody to blame but themselveslves.....

 

Bob

[AmberTeka]

What is the name of the pharmacy in Jacksonville?

Hallidays, maybe? Do they have an antibacterial sanitizer?

 

it is behind the mall On Roosevelt Blvd. A doctor used to practice there a long time ago..and his family owns it. Now that is if it has not been closed but...i don't think it has. It is on one of those small streets from Ortega..which run behind the Mall.

 

Google it. They have..had one in Murray Hill. Cross the RR tracks...same side as Edgewood Bakery.

 

There is one in the building on Hendricks AVe....the same Building where Jacksonville Orthopedics is located. Used to be the Old School Board Building.

 

They are around. We have a lot of hospitals. I guess it is related.

 

Happy cruise to you fellow Jax person. And the Jaguars.............how they have broken my husband's heart. Every year.........he hopes again. Every year.....he is crushed.And he still watches every agonizing game. When he takes off his Georgia hat...he puts on the teal and black.

Maybe this year..........the Jags will...............not lose.

Edited March 10, 2015 by AmberTeka

[AmberTeka]

Someone mentioned washing your hands with sanitizer after you went through the line...after you have touched utensils and such.

 

I carry handwash in my purse and do that. We take our grand daughter to Sweet Tomatoes a lot......and..so far...........so good.

 

We sail in 3 days the good lord willing.............

The advice on this board........this subject......the information

 

Priceless. I bet you folks have saved cruises for some people.

 

We plan on eating in the MDR as much as possible. let the crew do the serving.

 

Happy sails to all of you.

[jagsfan]

it is behind the mall On Roosevelt Blvd. A doctor used to practice there a long time ago..and his family owns it. Now that is if it has not been closed but...i don't think it has. It is on one of those small streets from Ortega..which run behind the Mall.

 

Google it. They have..had one in Murray Hill. Cross the RR tracks...same side as Edgewood Bakery.

 

There is one in the building on Hendricks AVe....the same Building where Jacksonville Orthopedics is located. Used to be the Old School Board Building.

 

They are around. We have a lot of hospitals. I guess it is related.

 

Happy cruise to you fellow Jax person. And the Jaguars.............how they have broken my husband's heart. Every year.........he hopes again. Every year.....he is crushed.And he still watches every agonizing game. When he takes off his Georgia hat...he puts on the teal and black.

Maybe this year..........the Jags will...............not lose.

 

 

That would be Gilbert Weise's pharmacy behind Roosevelt Square. His brother was my doctor till he retired! Small world. I know they had a branch in the JOI bldg, didn't know if Weise still owned it. I will check them out to see what they recommend.

I'm a Jags season ticket holder from day one, good years and bad years. I still have hope for the future, but have been concentrating on individual players, makes the losses easier.

[Mackenzie1]

If you believe that alcohol is the magic ingredient, then the Clorox spray (02174) has 70% content, as opposed to the other listed products (mentioned above on Amazon) that only have 63%. There is also limited info on the Benzalkonium Chloride products.

l

 

I've been researching each product, too, and agree. One point most seem to be in agreement on, though, is that hand washing is the most effective approach in ridding ourselves of norovirus:

 

"For removal of norovirus (previously termed Norwalk virus or small-round-structured-viruses - SRSV) friction seems to play more of a role than surfactant activity. We need the surfactants in hand soap to get rid of the soil or in technical terms “filth”. There are half dozen scientific articles that show friction during the rinsing phase can be particularly effective against similar small viruses including human norovirus surrogates. The most effective hand sanitizers have been shown to repeatedly do a good job at reducing norovirus counts delivering up to 2 log reduction on hands. It has been credited as an effective tool in outbreak control, but cannot be relied upon as the primary means of preventing infections."

 

http://info.debgroup.com/blog/bid/336078/Hand-Washing-vs-Hand-Sanitizer-in-the-Fight-Against-Norovirus

 

See also, http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html

 

This article discusses the use of copper as an antimicrobial. It raises questions about whether MRSA would be significantly reduced in hospitals if they would use copper surfaces:

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3067274/

Edited March 10, 2015 by Mackenzie1

[TomCruises]

OMG, do you get commission on this or something? You've posted about it like 6000 times. We hear you.

 

Why I own the company,Hee Hee Hee:D

[rjack22]

Just got off the Royal yesterday. We had Noro alerts both at the beginning and end of the 10 day cruise. The middle (port days) we were fine and precautions were relaxed. Interestingly even when on alert we still were able to serve ourselves in the buffet. The staff would hand us our plates and utensils, serve the drinks, bring you packets of salt and pepper, but you actually were allowed to serve yourself. I did notice them changing the serving spoons out on a regular basis though.

[lkneller]

I am wondering if it would help to wear plastic throw away gloves to handle utensils?

 

just wondering.

[JimmyVWine]

There are other products that may be easier to find in the USA that have the same active ingredients. My understanding is that the ingredients you need to look for are Benzalkonium chloride or Benzethonium chloride (the 2 are similar - there may be others but this is what I would look for). Wiki those 2 ingredients to read up on them if you like. Those are what makes the product more effective against viruses.

These ingredients were thought to be promising, but I have yet to see a study that supports the conclusion that they work. For example...

 

http://www.stopthestomachflu.com/do-benzalkonium-chloride-and-benzethonium-chloride-kill-norovirus

[Cobraman]

If you are looking for a hand cleaner with a high percentage of alcohol, I don't believe you will find one better than the Zylast Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Anticeptic. 76% ethyl alcohol coupled with Benzethonium Chloride.

 

We use it when we travel, and I keep a bottle in my car for use after pumping gas. God knows whose hands were on that nozzle before me.......

[SoCal Cruiser78]

I am wondering if it would help to wear plastic throw away gloves to handle utensils?

 

just wondering.

 

A poster on another thread recently said they do wear disposable gloves at the buffet line. Costco sells a latex-free version in bulk for about 5 cents each. I buy them to use at home when cleaning the bathroom, etc., so will plan to take some on my next cruise also. A good alternative for those who are sensitive to Purell.

[SoCal Cruiser78]

I've been researching each product, too, and agree. One point most seem to be in agreement on, though, is that hand washing is the most effective approach in ridding ourselves of norovirus...

 

The problem is many people (including health care workers) do not wash properly. Studies I have seen say it takes about 20 seconds of warm (some say this is better than hot) running water and soap, scrubbing vigorously. I see many people barely dribble water over their hands for a few seconds, and consider them washed. It doesn't help that many water-saving faucets in public restrooms shut off every few seconds :(.

[lozzer58]

Just returned from 20 days on the royal and yes the norrovirus was a problem. The staff did everything possible to try and contain the virus but it's all a waste of time when people refuse to wash their hands and I witnessed this constantly. When the ship is on red alert (which was a lot of the time) they should adopt a don't wash don't eat policy this will make people wash. How disgusting is it that they wouldn't !! Unfortunately they are never the ones who fall ill. The captain was clear in saying you need to wash with soap and water not just sanitiser for at least 20 seconds or to sing happy birthday to yourself twice ( and yes I did see people singing in the washrooms. Lol ). I did witness a few passengers getting irate with staff because people were entering Horizon court without washing or sanitising but the staff cannot force people unfortunately only ask them to do it. It never fails to amaze me how disgusting people can be.

Luckily it didn't spoil anything for us and we had a great cruise.

[AmberTeka]

Why I own the company,Hee Hee Hee:D

 

 

The more posts the better.

 

I don't want to spend another cruise...sick as anything..........confined to my cabin...eating cold chicken.....broth and Jello. Actually the Jello was good. And the only people I see are in hazemats even if they are the nicest people in the world...and they were..

 

My View. One small divi divi tree on a small island at the port in Aruba. Two days.

 

So in the kindest, most respectful way........hee hee................

 

Post away

[RunnerGirl26.2]

Norovirus is extremely contagious and you are contagious before you show symptoms (18 particles of virus can make you sick).

 

This is a link to a "disinfectant efficacy chart" comparing different sanitizing agents vs bacteria and viruses.

 

https://hdsupplysolutions.com/shop/ThdsMroUs/Attachment/images/pdf/disinfectant_efficacy_chart.pdf