* Royal Caribbean Cuts Explorer OTS Sailing Short
Amid a suspected norovirus outbreak, Royal Caribbean decided yesterday to drop the last port call on Explorer of the Seas’ 10-day itinerary and bring the ship back to Cape Liberty (NJ) two days early so it can be thoroughly cleaned with no passengers aboard, and before the next passengers come aboard.
The latest numbers from the CDC show 595 passengers (out of 3050) have reported norovirus-like symptoms (“norovirus-like” because norovirus itself can’t be confirmed until lab tests are back) and 50 crew members (out of 1165). Earlier figures (around 300) were underreported, since the CDC stopped updating the number, after initial reports, until their personnel boarded the ship. Royal Caribbean says that the number of new cases has peaked, with fewer new cases now being reported each day. Many passengers only experience symptoms for a couple of days, so many who reported symptoms early, are now up and about.
Norovirus has a 48-hour incubation period before symptoms appear. It is believed passengers brought the disease aboard with them since some passengers were reporting symptoms within the first two days of the cruises.
* And Finally ...
Over the weekend we added a couple of sets of photos to our blog that we think you’ll find interesting. The first was of Navigator of the Seas getting its FlowRider in dry dock We also have some photos of Britannia’s funnels - in their new blue livery - being attached. We have photos at http://goo.gl/Cjc98B
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