The second cruise ship outbreak of 2015 investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) occurred on Celebrity Cruise lines’ Celebrity Equinox.
Image/Boris Maric
The outbreak of the gastrointestinal virus, norovirus, sickened 150 of the approximately 4,000 passengers and crew on board the vessel.
In response to the outbreak, Celebrity Cruise Line and the crew aboard the ship are taking the following actions: Increasing cleaning and disinfection procedures according to their outbreak prevention and response plan, making announcements to notify onboard passengers of the outbreak, encourage case reporting, and encourage hand hygiene and collected stool specimens from ill passengers and crew.
Three CDC Vessel Sanitation Program environmental health officers and one epidemiologist boarded the ship in Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) on February 23, 2015 to conduct an environmental health assessment and evaluate the outbreak and response activities.
Comprehensive sanitation procedures in Fort Lauderdale occurred upon arrival to include providing additional cleaning crew to complete a thorough public and accommodation super-sanitization cleaning and disinfection; planning staged disembarkation for active cases to limit the opportunity of illness transmission to well guests, and planning for sanitation of terminal and transport infection control procedures.
Going on the Equinox in April. Hoping for a clean and safe journey. It only takes one person to be sick or unsanitary to make everyone else sick. I hope everyone is well soon.
We just got off that cruise, and while there was concern among passengers, everyone followed the correct sanitation procedures. Every surface was continually being wiped down. We didn’t experience any problem … although did seem to pick up the flu bug in FL, after the cruise, on our way home!
Be cautious and aware … wash you hands like a crazy person and don’t touch your face. The crew appears very committed to getting this outbreak under control.
We were on that ship and from what we could see, everyone took every precaution to keep the ship safe. The crew were whipping down surfaces all the time! The crew acted professionally but made us aware that there was a problem so that we could all take extra care. Had a great time … but managed to get the flu, after the cruise, in FL, on our way home.
Just wash your hands before and after touching things, don’t touch your face (to avoid spreading it) and be aware of the possibility. Wishing you a safe happy cruise!!
We were on this cruise as well and did not get the norovirus, but I did get the flu (fever & cold symptoms) as did our traveling companions. I figure we picked it up in St Maarten. Symptoms picked up on the day of return.
Re the virus, the crew went into overdrive mode to keep the ship clean and disinfected. Special equipmemt, chemicals and constant wipedowns. I think they contained the virus very well and it was done by the time we returned.
Advice to other passengers, just keep on washing your hands, use the hand sanitizers and avoid touching surfances that others are frequently touching such as railings, elevator buttons, etc.
We were on this cruise. This was quickly contained and all measures were taken to prevent it’s spread. We did not get sick.
Keep in mind that any passenger could have pick up the virus from any raw fruit or vegetables that they ate while in any port of call.
The crew worked extra time and extra hard to keep us safe.
I will cruise again with Celebrity because they go the extra mile for their passengers.
I was on Equinox on that trip and I did not get sick But I can say that you can feel safe. The did a really good job when the people got sick. The persons that got sick had to stay in there room for 24 hours and got good medical help. The crew kept everything clean and did a perfect job. There is nothing to complain about
We will be cruising March 6th on the same ship and I’m nervous. I hope it’s going to be ok! The last thing we need is to waste our vacation by being sick.
My husband and I travelled on this ship, staff went quickly into action and I have no complaints about the cleanliness and professionalism of this cruise ship. As long as you keep washing your hands as advised there is no problem.First class company, will travel again with them.
Just received notification that instead of showing up at the pier at noon, to not show before 2:30 in the afternoon on Monday in Barcelona. Made arrangements with the Concierge to adjust the time for the car to take us there from the El Palace Hotel. That Norovirus is transmitted through food and liquids. Will get bottled water and proper hygiene helps to prevent the spread of this.