Pearl never ending norovirus?

[klr6773]

Wondering if anyone can give better insight for me- it seems that I've heard that the Pearl has been fighting the Norovirus since around January. While I don't want to be worried too much,it seems like the ship I'm about to board this weekend is having trouble shedding the bug. The CDC website is not current on info and I suspect a call to NCL won't get me the truth anyway. Wondering if it's still a very small percentage per sailing or if it's getting better or worse?

 

I planned to bring Clorox wipes and Lysol to keep our room disinfected. Planned to do less buffets and more sit down meals,as I read that's another good way to avoid germs,even though maybe at this point the buffets will be crew served the whole trip? Being many years on the food industry,I'm a natural frequent hand washer ..

 

Just a bit worried because I spent 3 weeks in May fighting a nasty cold- flu- cold- sinusitis/ ear infection. The last thing I want to do is end up even remotely sick again!

 

Is there a point that they will consider canceling or delaying a sailing to really take the time to deep clean? I know it's done daily but thinking this ship needs extra TLC.

[ColinIllinois]

Where have you heard this information from? Just curious.

[Ilovesailing]

I,ve only heard of two. One didn`t have to be reported as it didn`t hit the percentage called for by the CDC, the second was reported to the CDC.

[jrsegrl]

We did the 11 day - 3/26 cruise with the big outbreak. We didn't get it but I too am a frequent hand washer and tend to not get too close to people. Don't know if that makes a difference or we were just lucky. The crew was definitely on top of it. We cruise a lot and have been on previous cruises with norovirus and I can say that the recent Pearl crew did the best job of containing it. Not only did they serve at the buffet but handed out the plates and silverware too. You would think that this would slow things down but I thought it moved things along more quickly. They really worked hard all over the ship to keep it clean. During that time frame 2 other cruiselines made the news with their virus onboard so not just the Pearl. It only takes one person to pass it along ...

 

Yes, in the past there were cruiselines that had to cancel a cruise to sanitize or whatever they do because of outbreaks - but think it needs to be really bad and not contained before that happens.

[klr6773]

Where have you heard this information from? Just curious.

 

I had best retract my opening timeline statement and apologize to everyone now. I spent several minutes looking at the different websites and forums and I can't find the conversation I remember reading that someone had said its been that long. Stupid to let an unconfirmed source bother me and even worse to spread that info without being able to quote the source. My apologies to everyone.

 

April was the reported outbreak and I've seen trip reports here that a few of the May sailings were hit as well. Not the official " hit the percentage to have to report" but,people got sick none the less. Just wondering if it has ever gotten to the point that a sailing is cancelled to really turn the ship upside down.

[Laszlo]

My 10 second Google searched turned up this

 

 

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/gilist.htm#2015

[klr6773]

We did the 11 day - 3/26 cruise with the big outbreak. We didn't get it but I too am a frequent hand washer and tend to not get too close to people. Don't know if that makes a difference or we were just lucky. The crew was definitely on top of it. We cruise a lot and have been on previous cruises with norovirus and I can say that the recent Pearl crew did the best job of containing it. Not only did they serve at the buffet but handed out the plates and silverware too. You would think that this would slow things down but I thought it moved things along more quickly. They really worked hard all over the ship to keep it clean. During that time frame 2 other cruiselines made the news with their virus onboard so not just the Pearl. It only takes one person to pass it along ...

 

Yes, in the past there were cruiselines that had to cancel a cruise to sanitize or whatever they do because of outbreaks - but think it needs to be really bad and not contained before that happens.

 

 

 

Thanks jrsegrl! As a born and raised Jersey girl now living in Oregon myself,I'm partial to your screen name :)

 

 

Glad to hear the Pearl staff was diligent. We've waited 7 years for a " honeymoon" and I would hate to spend it not feeling well!

[a6guy]

My wife and I contracted NoroVirus on Day 6 of the Pearl 10 Alaska Cruise- 7-17 May 2015- We an approx 70 other passengers where escorted upon arrival in Seattle- not sure how many unreported or crew members were impacted, so it is unknown if CDC received a report. After 15+ cruises, we thought it was no big deal, trust me this virus is terrible, and will take weeks to pass. For prevention, I recommend you wash hands anytime prior to any type of contact with mouth eyes or nose, whether that is mealtime or anytime. Virus can survive on all types of surfaces- so watch for salt/pepper, other common use condiments these items are already inside the dinning room, so be aware of what you handle- maybe disposable condiments would be advisable.

 

I've read several posts that the Pearl aggressively tackled the challenge of cleaning the ship top to bottom, prior to embarkation of the follow on 7 day Alaska cruisers, boarding was delayed for several hours, I'm confident the follow on cruise was uneventful. We are booked for the Escape in Jan 15- we intend to have a healthy fun vacation- but much more aware of our responsibility to hand wash much more frequently.

Edited June 10, 2015 by a6guy

[triptolemus]

Frequent hand washing; hot water and soap.

 

Do not count on hand sanitizer alone -- doesn't hurt, but doesn't prevent NV either. Do not be rude to the washy-washy people.

 

Avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes.

 

Avoid elevator buttons. Avoid handrails unless absolutely necessary (limited mobility or intoxication).

 

Avoid finger-foods.

 

No handshaking. Ever. This is a disgusting social habit which needs to go.

[chengkp75]

The CDC website is not current on info and I suspect a call to NCL won't get me the truth anyway. Wondering if it's still a very small percentage per sailing or if it's getting better or worse?

 

I planned to bring Clorox wipes and Lysol to keep our room disinfected. Planned to do less buffets and more sit down meals,as I read that's another good way to avoid germs,even though maybe at this point the buffets will be crew served the whole trip? Being many years on the food industry,I'm a natural frequent hand washer ..

 

Is there a point that they will consider canceling or delaying a sailing to really take the time to deep clean? I know it's done daily but thinking this ship needs extra TLC.

 

April was the reported outbreak and I've seen trip reports here that a few of the May sailings were hit as well. Not the official " hit the percentage to have to report" but,people got sick none the less. Just wondering if it has ever gotten to the point that a sailing is cancelled to really turn the ship upside down.

 

When you say that the CDC website is not current with information, this is a bit incorrect. Remember what is being listed on the website "Are cruise ships in which 3% or more of passengers or crew reported symptoms of diarrheal disease to the ships medical staff during the voyage".

 

Every cruise ship calling at US ports must report any cases of GI illness prior to arriving at the disembarkation port (or first US port after foreign). When the number of ill crew and guests reaches 2% of the total onboard, the ship must start daily reports to CDC. It is only when the number of reported cases reaches the 3% mark, will there be an "update" posted on the CDC website. However, if the ship reports cases on consecutive cruises, the CDC looks at the data to see whether or not the daily number is increasing or decreasing, and what remediation methods the ship is using, and will then decide whether or not to send an inspection team to review the remediation process, even if the number of illnesses never reaches the 3% "update" level.

 

In 4 years on cruise ships, I cannot remember a single cruise that did not have at least one reported case of GI illness.

 

If the number appears to be rising, and this is discussed by the top officers daily, then the "silver service" protocols will be initiated: no self-service in buffet, no salt/pepper shakers, and starting to fog public spaces with Vircon nightly.

 

A "deep clean" can either be initiated at the ship's discretion or at the request of CDC, and will be done during turn-around, generally with the assistance of shore personnel, and will only delay boarding by a few hours.

 

Stopping a ship for a deep clean is a rare occurrence, as this places undue financial hardship on the operator so CDC won't do it often. Remember that the cruise ships come under the USPH branch of CDC, and their mission is to prevent the introduction of contagious disease into the US, they are not tasked with ensuring the health of cruise ship passengers while onboard.

 

As I tell everyone here on CC when they discuss noro and things like Clorox wipes, do whatever makes you feel better, but know that neither of these products, nor any consumer product, despite their claims, are effective against noro virus.

[roger001]

I've never heard of the Pearl having any more health issues than other ships and cruise lines, hotels, etc. Maybe less. We've been on her numerous times and love her and the crew. We were lucky though in that we were on the cruise just before the March outbreak cruise. Glad we missed that.

[klr6773]

 

Every cruise ship calling at US ports must report any cases of GI illness prior to arriving at the disembarkation port (or first US port after foreign). When the number of ill crew and guests reaches 2% of the total onboard, the ship must start daily reports to CDC. It is only when the number of reported cases reaches the 3% mark, will there be an "update" posted on the CDC website. However, if the ship reports cases on consecutive cruises, the CDC looks at the data to see whether or not the daily number is increasing or decreasing, and what remediation methods the ship is using, and will then decide whether or not to send an inspection team to review the remediation process, even if the number of illnesses never reaches the 3% "update" level.

 

 

So,hypothetically, if the ship has several sailings with just under 3 percent,the CDC won't need to post the info? If it holds steady between 2-2.5 percent for several sailings that's still within " acceptable" non reportable level? If the March sailing referenced above,along with the other two May sailings that are confirmed by passengers to have been affected,it just seems like at that point March ,April,May is a long time for it to hang around. I'm sure it would be highly illegal and obviously unethical for NCL to not be honest with the #'s...but then again,if it comes down to losing money over the give or take math of a few people,would they be willing?

 

 

I guess I've just been super lucky because I've never encountered or been made aware of any outbreak while on my previous sailings. Lol...hoping lucky 7 stays lucky for me :)

[Kierste]

We did the 11 day - 3/26 cruise with the big outbreak. We didn't get it but I too am a frequent hand washer and tend to not get too close to people. Don't know if that makes a difference or we were just lucky. The crew was definitely on top of it. We cruise a lot and have been on previous cruises with norovirus and I can say that the recent Pearl crew did the best job of containing it. Not only did they serve at the buffet but handed out the plates and silverware too. You would think that this would slow things down but I thought it moved things along more quickly. They really worked hard all over the ship to keep it clean. During that time frame 2 other cruiselines made the news with their virus onboard so not just the Pearl. It only takes one person to pass it along ...

 

Yes, in the past there were cruiselines that had to cancel a cruise to sanitize or whatever they do because of outbreaks - but think it needs to be really bad and not contained before that happens.

 

 

We were also on this sailing, and I second everything said above... They contained it to roughly 110 people.. Which I think is awesome :cool:

[Sizzlechest]

According to my 23andme DNA test, I'm immune from the most common form of the norovirus.

 

http://mmg-233-2013-genetics-genomics.wikia.com/wiki/Norovirus_Resistance

 

Unfortunately, they don't release this info for new customers.

[mking8288]

No problems or outbreak last week on the Pearl, AFAIK - according to BIL/SIL & others in their small group just came back from their 5/31 - 6/7/2015 Alaska sailing on the Pearl with no issues with Norovirus, had a great time, well prepared for other "surprises" with CC's "Intel" here - haven't got a chance to get "debriefed about everything else"

 

For interesting, slightly off-topic reading, look up Avian flu (a/k/a bird flu) among poultry flocks in, mostly, midwestern U.S. states. Retail prices of a dozen jumbo eggs at our local "discount" grocery stores just went up again ;) - and there's no panic.

[Anet01]

Clorox hand sanitizer is tested and proven to kill Noro virus. We purchased and used it on out cruise in addition to lots of hand washing. :) not available in stores, expensive, and has to be ordered online.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Clorox-02174-Bleach-Free-Sanitizer-Spray/dp/B00DDZMLLK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1433956506&sr=8-4&keywords=CLorox+hand+sanitizer

[khaide612]

You can get Noro anywhere. Just maintain sanitary practices as stated by other posters.

 

And if you do get it - don't take any pepto or Imodium as it will just take longer to evacuate it. :)

[chengkp75]

 

Every cruise ship calling at US ports must report any cases of GI illness prior to arriving at the disembarkation port (or first US port after foreign). When the number of ill crew and guests reaches 2% of the total onboard, the ship must start daily reports to CDC. It is only when the number of reported cases reaches the 3% mark, will there be an "update" posted on the CDC website. However, if the ship reports cases on consecutive cruises, the CDC looks at the data to see whether or not the daily number is increasing or decreasing, and what remediation methods the ship is using, and will then decide whether or not to send an inspection team to review the remediation process, even if the number of illnesses never reaches the 3% "update" level.

 

 

So,hypothetically, if the ship has several sailings with just under 3 percent,the CDC won't need to post the info? If it holds steady between 2-2.5 percent for several sailings that's still within " acceptable" non reportable level? If the March sailing referenced above,along with the other two May sailings that are confirmed by passengers to have been affected,it just seems like at that point March ,April,May is a long time for it to hang around. I'm sure it would be highly illegal and obviously unethical for NCL to not be honest with the #'s...but then again,if it comes down to losing money over the give or take math of a few people,would they be willing?

 

 

I guess I've just been super lucky because I've never encountered or been made aware of any outbreak while on my previous sailings. Lol...hoping lucky 7 stays lucky for me :)

 

Again, you are misunderstanding the reporting process. As I've said, the ships report every cruise, even if there were no cases. If the level reaches 2%, then the ship reports to USPH, but they will not post this on their "update" page. So, yes, if the ship sailed for 6 weeks with just 2% reported, there would perhaps not be an "update" posted. For sure, the USPH inspectors would be monitoring this situation, and as I've said, watching the daily trend. If an inspection team was sent to the ship, generally there would be an "update" report. Remember, if the number of daily cases is low the first couple days, rises through the 3rd, 4th, 5th days, and then declines towards the end of the cruise, it shows the ship's methods have been effective. Now, if the next week, the same trend happens, this is not a fault of the ship's methods, it is simply a reinfection by a new group of passengers. Only if the daily trend stays high or continues to rise at the end of the cruise, and stays high during the first couple of days of the next cruise, does it indicate a continuing problem, either a B2B guest, or more likely crew illness.

 

I'll say it again, it is not the USPH's mandate to inform the cruising public of the health of passengers aboard cruise ships. So the "update" reports are complimentary, and are not required to be posted, they do so to prevent multiple "freedom of information act" requests.

 

You say there was a cruise in March, and then two in May, and I'm assuming this is based on CC reports. Were there any cases in between? If not, then it isn't "a long time to hang around", it is a case of one infection in March, and another in May.

 

As far as failure to report cases, part of the USPH Vessel Sanitation Program inspections that happen twice a year, is the inspection of the ship's medical log. This is very thorough, and non-reporting is a very serious offence in an inspection that could result in the ship losing it's permit to board passengers in the US. This would seriously affect their bottom line, far more than having an outbreak or two reported.

[chengkp75]

Clorox hand sanitizer is tested and proven to kill Noro virus. We purchased and used it on out cruise in addition to lots of hand washing. :) not available in stores, expensive, and has to be ordered online.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Clorox-02174-Bleach-Free-Sanitizer-Spray/dp/B00DDZMLLK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1433956506&sr=8-4&keywords=CLorox+hand+sanitizer

 

Sorry, I don't go just by the manufacturer's claims, and even they note at the top of the page that they don't test on noro virus, but on feline calicivirus, which has been a standard for commercial testing since noro cannot be cultured outside the human body, but which has been called into question regarding its similarity to noro.

 

If you want to see which products the EPA lists as effective agents against noro virus, here is the link to the list, updated last Oct:

 

http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/list_g_norovirus.pdf

 

This is a much shorter list than the previous edition, as they found through more rigorous testing that many agents previously listed were in fact not effective. Nearly every one of the agents listed here are commercial or health care facility products that require protective clothing to use.

[pixiedustdawn]

Friends onboard are saying everything is fine. No outbreak whatsoever.

[Alegeeter]

Just came off the ship 5/31 and saw no signs of Noro. I didn't hear of anyone have problems either. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. There were constant announcements that reminded everyone to be vigilant and discouraged handshaking.

 

I think you'll be fine! Just avoid touching your face and constantly clean your hands (good rules to live by on and off cruise ships)

[wimsikl]

Following...

[SuiteTraveler]

Besides lots of hand washing, it is also a good idea to avoid using the public restrooms on the ship and just use the restroom in your cabin.

[chengkp75]

Just came off the ship 5/31 and saw no signs of Noro. I didn't hear of anyone have problems either. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. There were constant announcements that reminded everyone to be vigilant and discouraged handshaking.

 

I think you'll be fine! Just avoid touching your face and constantly clean your hands (good rules to live by on and off cruise ships)

 

For those concerned about noro, a more important rule is to never eat anything with your fingers. Transmission from hands to food to mouth is a much more prevalent transmission vector than touching your face.

 

But hey, its a fine sunny summer day in Maine, finally, I'm dog tired from roofing my front porch, and I really don't want to do a noro or hand sanitizer debate now. I get enough of them during the peak noro seasons.

[PugetSound]

 

 

 

You say there was a cruise in March, and then two in May, and I'm assuming this is based on CC reports. Were there any cases in between? If not, then it isn't "a long time to hang around", it is a case of one infection in March, and another in May.

 

 

I was on the cruise after the one in March and we had norovirus on our cruise (although we heard the number was 26 passengers and 1 or 2 crew). It was also on the subsequent cruise through the Panama Canal. Then, at least 2 Alaska cruises in May. Sounds like the latest Alaska cruise was okay. I hope so because I found the food serving precautions a pain (but necessary).