Norovirus

[Biro]

On my recent trip aboard Emerald Princess (08/18-Feb-2009) the ship was unfortunate in suffering from an outbreak of the noro virus.

I was impressed with the handling of the situation and the openness with which the captain issued health warning in the written and verbal manner.

The predetermined plan of action appeared to kick in with the removal of self service in the buffet and salt/pepper cutlery etc from tables.To see the extra work being carried out by staff was commendable.

This leads me to my question and hopefully subsequent debate.Whilst playing black jack i came to the conclusion that perhaps the most germ ridden objects on board were the gaming chips which constantly move around the table between players and dealer does this mean the bug can get passed when sharing a pepper mill but not in sharing a chip, or does the potential loss of revenue lead to a degree of risk management in the casino.

[pnccruisers]

What's the Norovirus?

[SingerEsq]

On my recent trip aboard Emerald Princess (08/18-Feb-2009) the ship was unfortunate in suffering from an outbreak of the noro virus.

I was impressed with the handling of the situation and the openness with which the captain issued health warning in the written and verbal manner.

The predetermined plan of action appeared to kick in with the removal of self service in the buffet and salt/pepper cutlery etc from tables.To see the extra work being carried out by staff was commendable.

This leads me to my question and hopefully subsequent debate.Whilst playing black jack i came to the conclusion that perhaps the most germ ridden objects on board were the gaming chips which constantly move around the table between players and dealer does this mean the bug can get passed when sharing a pepper mill but not in sharing a chip, or does the potential loss of revenue lead to a degree of risk management in the casino.

 

We were on the same cruise. Certainly the chips, the buttons on the slot machines, the dice on the craps table, etc., are all transmitters. Revenue probably has something to do with it, but there's only so much they can do. How about elevator buttons, stair-rails (which were certainly needed considerably on this cruise! ;)), the keyboards in the internet cafe. I think the focus on the dining areas is because we often eat with our hands, which is the fastest way of ingesting the virus. At least in the casino, you have a better chance of keeping your hands away from your mouth.

[TJM001]

We just returned from a cruise on the Coral Princess on which the virus also reared its head. There were bottles of of hand sanitizer everywhere - everywhere EXCEPT the casino. We could not understand why that should have been the case.

[sunsurf]

We just returned from a cruise on the Coral Princess on which the virus also reared its head. There were bottles of of hand sanitizer everywhere - everywhere EXCEPT the casino.

 

We bring the mini bottles with us everywhere we go on & off the ship.

We also always take Oil of Oreganol before and during the cruise. We actually take it everyday--it's the most potent germ killer there is! Have been taking it for years and can't remember the last time I was sick.

[fireofficer5]

This is how adults should behave. Wash your hands before you eat and or serve yourself food.

Never eat in the buffet unless the food is prepaired and served individually.

Whats worse than just playing blackjack with germ encrusted chips is, playing poker with germ encrusted chips and cards and eating.

I'm not a germaphobe by the way.

[TonyFred]

This is how adults should behave. Wash your hands before you eat and or serve yourself food.

Never eat in the buffet unless the food is prepaired and served individually.

Whats worse than just playing blackjack with germ encrusted chips is, playing poker with germ encrusted chips and cards and eating.

I'm not a germaphobe by the way.

 

 

It's not a buffet if the food is prepared and served individually. That is what a dining room is.