Crown Princess still battling Norovirus

[PekingeseLady]

I for one am hoping it holds. This is GREAT NEWS, thanks for the info.! :D

[lolane1]

THE FACTS (from the CDC web site)

 

As public health officials struggle to contain a series of viral outbreaks this winter, many people are reaching for bottles of hand sanitizer.

 

Studies show that alcohol-based sanitizers, particularly those with 60 percent ethanol or more, can reduce microbial counts on contaminated hands and reduce the spread of some strains of the flu. But against norovirus, the severe gastrointestinal illness gripping many parts of the country, they may be useless.

 

Some viruses, like influenza, are coated in lipids, “envelopes” that alcohol can rupture. But non-enveloped viruses, like norovirus, are generally not affected.

 

Bleach is effective against norovirus, and can be used to decontaminate countertops and surfaces. And for people, the best strategy may be washing hands with plain old soap and water.

 

In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studied 91 long-term care facilities. During the winter of 2006-07, they identified 73 outbreaks, 29 of which were confirmed to be norovirus.

 

The facilities where staff members used alcohol-based sanitizers, were six times more likely to have an outbreak of norovirus than the facilities where the staff preferred using soap and water.

 

The C.D.C. says that as a means of preventing norovirus infection, alcohol-based sanitizers can be used “in addition” to hand washing, never as a substitute.

 

Thank you. Go hand washing! Additonally, the Clorox brand Hydrogen Peroxide wipes must remain WET on surfaces for 3 minutes to kill Noro, according to the Clorox website.

__________________

[cruzsnooze]

Thank you. Go hand washing! Additonally, the Clorox brand Hydrogen Peroxide wipes must remain WET on surfaces for 3 minutes to kill Noro, according to the Clorox website.

__________________

 

After I wash my hands I don't need their alcohol. I fear there are probably too many germs on the nozzle of those dispensers.

[sippin-time]

I appreciate all the info on this thread, negative and/or positive!! Am not upset, apprehensive or reluctant to go on our upcoming cruise on Feb. 6th, but rather, I feel more informed and ready to be extra pro-active:) Being pro-active and taking care of ourselves have always helped us through these situations. We are experienced travelers and have learned many lessons (good&bad) throughout our travels on how to protect ourselves. For instance, in the case of avoiding getting sick or spreading sickness, one of the things we do is we always have tissues to use for public common places such as stair railings, ladles at the buffet, elevator buttons, door knobs, etc. and we constantly wash our hands (this is not to be confused with having OCD, lol....:p).

 

I think that if everyone (not just on cruises) is pro-active or vigilant in taking care of oneself (along with the help from the cruise ship or resort staff), we can all prevent a breakout and actually enjoy our vacation. :) Of course, if possible, you can always avoid stepping into the "eye of the storm" and cancel altogether.

 

However, whatever the situation is....our best defense is to be pro-active and vigilant of our own self.

 

We are looking forward to our cruise in February:) Happy sailing and be well!!!

Edited January 9, 2015 by sippin-time

[SoCal Cruiser78]

After I wash my hands I don't need their alcohol. I fear there are probably too many germs on the nozzle of those dispensers.

 

All those that I have seen lately on Princess have been the touchless type. I generally will grab a paper napkin or Kleenex (like sippin-time above) to use to press the touch type in public places.

Edited January 9, 2015 by Ryndam2002

[ChrisRobinson]

Reading the concerns over Noro, and sharing a moderate worry about it for my upcoming cruise, I share this free advice I've always used. Take it for what it's worth:

 

1- When I get to my cabin, I'm wiping phone, tv remote, door handles; bathroom handles with alcohol. A steward cannot possibly hit every surface on a turnover. (Read threads about all the unusual items discovered left by the cruisers before you in the cabins.). I'm not a doctor. Not sure if this is truly effective, but it's what I do.

 

2- I take pepto bismal type tablets twice a day, like they are vitamins. I want to make my GI tract very unfriendly to bugs. Again, not a Dr. I do this on all trips to Mexico and on cruises. I eat fruit, veggies, drink ice drinks, etc. like I'm a local. Never had an issue.

 

3- I wash my hands like I'm Howard Hughes. I'm not a Dr, and I'm not HH. I'm also not getting sick.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[CptSticky]

Reading the concerns over Noro, and sharing a moderate worry about it for my upcoming cruise, I share this free advice I've always used. Take it for what it's worth:

 

1- When I get to my cabin, I'm wiping phone, tv remote, door handles; bathroom handles with alcohol. A steward cannot possibly hit every surface on a turnover. (Read threads about all the unusual items discovered left by the cruisers before you in the cabins.). I'm not a doctor. Not sure if this is truly effective, but it's what I do.

 

2- I take pepto bismal type tablets twice a day, like they are vitamins. I want to make my GI tract very unfriendly to bugs. Again, not a Dr. I do this on all trips to Mexico and on cruises. I eat fruit, veggies, drink ice drinks, etc. like I'm a local. Never had an issue.

 

3- I wash my hands like I'm Howard Hughes. I'm not a Dr, and I'm not HH. I'm also not getting sick.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

We bring a few Clorox wipes double baggied so that they don't smell up our luggage. Alcohol works great for the flu but is not very effective on Noro and it can live on things for 6 weeks. If you are going to bother wiping everything down, why not something more effective?

[cruiselvr1]

After I wash my hands I don't need their alcohol. I fear there are probably too many germs on the nozzle of those dispensers.

You don't need to touch them, also it just looks better to use it. Still nothing takes the place of washing your hands. My DW also brings Lysol and sprays everything, I know it would kill noro, but it helps with other.

Edited January 10, 2015 by cruiselvr1
Add

[Colo Cruiser]

I agree, they are no touch. :confused:

[jrzebird]

The Royal and Regal have hand washing stations in the Horizon Court entrances. A lot of people use them. Great addition.

 

As for canceling a cruise almost 2 months before i'm scheduled because I 'might' get noro, I think that is bit over the top. I've been on 2 ships with noro and fortunately enjoyed both cruises with no illness. I also didn't mind the precautions.

 

Maureen

[Greyhound3]

Just got off the Crown today and here are my observations:

 

 

1. No Code Red - salt and pepper shakers back on the tables. Entrances to HC monitored by a staff member who "reminded" pax to use sanitizer.

2. The Head Waiters were stationed at the doors of the Botticelli dining room with large bags of Purell. Everyone entering the MDR got a squirt of Purell on their hands.

3. No announcements of any Noro outbreak (OK, I know the incubation period is 48 to 72 hours, but still...)

 

So, folks, just be sensible and enjoy your cruise.

 

 

Grey

[lolane1]

Oxivir wipes are EPA approved to kill norovirus, requiring a 1 minute contact. Interpret this to mean it must remain wet on the surface for 1 minute to be effective. It is a hydrogen peroxide based product.

 

As previously posted, the Clorox brand hydrogen peroxide product requires a 3 minute contact to be effective.

 

Here is a link to the product

 

http://www.medicalartspress.com/oxivir-hard-surface-disinfectant-wipes/cbs/225867.html?cm_mmc?cm_mmc=SEM_PLA_225867

 

And here is the link referenced on the CDC page to the EPA list of approved disinfectants for hospital use

 

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

[Mademypoint]

I do not know. There was a group of tags for people with flights before noon (perhaps it was 1:00), and I think they were off the ship by 10:00, which is still far too close for comfort for me. If I had a noon or earlier flight, I would have done walk-off.

 

 

 

I wasn't talking about Noro - I was talking about the ship being a mess. I should have started a new paragraph to be clearer.

 

 

Absolutely NOT true!!! We were NOT allowed to leave the ship until close to 10:30 and that was only because we were escorted by someone who was stationed for premier guests at the crown grill. Then we had to wait for them to fill up the buses (they never ask for your name so lots of people ride the shuttle for free) so it was after 12 before I got to the airport (if you are at terminal 7 you are really hosed as they stop at every single terminal, unload and reload all the luggage) and through security.

 

The problem was EVERYONE decided to do walk off!! Nobody could tell where the walk offs ended and the regular color coded passengers began but at least two out of 10 people had NO luggage at all with them while they were in line.

[critterchick]

Absolutely NOT true!!! We were NOT allowed to leave the ship until close to 10:30 and that was only because we were escorted by someone who was stationed for premier guests at the crown grill. Then we had to wait for them to fill up the buses (they never ask for your name so lots of people ride the shuttle for free) so it was after 12 before I got to the airport (if you are at terminal 7 you are really hosed as they stop at every single terminal, unload and reload all the luggage) and through security.

 

The problem was EVERYONE decided to do walk off!! Nobody could tell where the walk offs ended and the regular color coded passengers began but at least two out of 10 people had NO luggage at all with them while they were in line.

 

I said "I think," geez, take a deep breath. I think we can agree that the entire process was a disgrace. I can't wait until our Jan 30 cruise where we embark at 93 and disembark at 46.:eek:

 

Did you miss your flight?

[ChrisRobinson]

Re: Clorox wipes over alcohol.... Thx! Did not know this. I'll fix my routine.

[dkrysansk]

I got the noro-virus. I did not know how bad it was until it hit me hard.

 

I was cautious on the cruise and used hand saniter, did not touch the railing etc.

 

I was doing the back to back cruise 3 day LA-Ensenda-LA. The day of disembarkation. I left for the airport and checkin for my flight. The onset was fast. It hit me like a ton of bricks.. Nausea, wanting to vomit, whole body wracked with pain and diarrhea. I have never felt so sick, it was awful. I can not describe the feeling..

 

I ask the flight attendant for gravol and was stuck using the toilet on the plane a lot.

 

The Crown Princess is plagued with the infection..I am at home recovering slowly.. And I am still feeling the effects of this illness.

[dkrysansk]

Just got off the Crown today and here are my observations:

 

 

1. No Code Red - salt and pepper shakers back on the tables. Entrances to HC monitored by a staff member who "reminded" pax to use sanitizer.

2. The Head Waiters were stationed at the doors of the Botticelli dining room with large bags of Purell. Everyone entering the MDR got a squirt of Purell on their hands.

3. No announcements of any Noro outbreak (OK, I know the incubation period is 48 to 72 hours, but still...)

 

So, folks, just be sensible and enjoy your cruise.

 

 

Grey

 

I got off the ship on Jan. 9 and I came down with it.. I am sicker than a dog.. Did not know how bad Noro was..

[maggie.1008]

I am going on the Crown on Jan. 26th. This is starting to scare me and I have 42 cruises under my belt. I will be very careful and report back to you.

[HMSDingy]

Oxivir wipes are EPA approved to kill norovirus, requiring a 1 minute contact. Interpret this to mean it must remain wet on the surface for 1 minute to be effective. It is a hydrogen peroxide based product.

 

As previously posted, the Clorox brand hydrogen peroxide product requires a 3 minute contact to be effective.

 

Here is a link to the product

 

http://www.medicalartspress.com/oxivir-hard-surface-disinfectant-wipes/cbs/225867.html?cm_mmc?cm_mmc=SEM_PLA_225867.

 

 

 

And here is the link referenced on the CDC page to the EPA list of approved disinfectants for hospital use

 

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

 

Would you know where I an get the Oxivir wipes?

[Cruise Raider]

I got off the ship on Jan. 9 and I came down with it.. I am sicker than a dog.. Did not know how bad Noro was..

 

Oh no....so sorry to hear this. Not a good way to end your cruise. Hopefully you will feel better soon.

[dkrysansk]

Oh no....so sorry to hear this. Not a good way to end your cruise. Hopefully you will feel better soon.

 

Thx.. still have have nausea and stomach cramps.. The worse is the entire body aching.. Can not shake the chills..I am putting all of my booked cruises on hold.

 

I was really careful but still picked it up. I back tracked where I might of picked up the infection.. The public washroom and playing at the casino. If you are those places.. I suggest were medical gloves..

 

I was really scared that I would not make home and may of ended up in a hospital.:mad::mad:

[Ahhh]

I just disembarked from the Crown yesterday, after doing two 3-day back-to-backs. The first was 1/3/15, and we got notice that the ship would be going thru a thurough cleaning, with boarding not beginning till 5:00.

 

I got the same email about the Crown, when I did a 7 day on her in November, when she returned from Tahiti, so I knew what to expect about how embarkation day would be.

 

Princess implimented crew serving the meals in the buffet, as we were not allowed to touch any utensils. I was happy to see this, and there was plenty of staff to help.

 

On the second voyage (1/6) the need for serving us was not there, so we helped ourselves to food. I was more cautious than usual, now having to touch utensils and sometimes seeing where handles would lay on food. Needless to say, both cruises went very well. I hope this keeps the virus at bay. David

[dkrysansk]

I am going on the Crown on Jan. 26th. This is starting to scare me and I have 42 cruises under my belt. I will be very careful and report back to you.

 

I would be afraid too! Crown princess has been plagued with Norovirus a few times.. If you get sick on the ship, they will quarantine you with yellow tape. That means you will not be allowed out of your room.

 

Make sure you use disinfectant spray in your room. Get a plastic bag to put your remote control.. It is full of germs.. When people come out of the bathroom the first thing the reach for is the remote. Wipe down your phone and handles in your room. Do not forget your room steward are in and out of rooms cleaning with out gloves on. Their hands can be contaminated.. from any other cabins.. This is another way to cross contaminate and get other people sick will this illness. Using the public washroom when you are in a hurry and can not make back to your room or playing in the casinos..

[meh56]

Are you sure you don't have the flu? It is a very high levels right now.

[dkrysansk]

Are you sure you don't have the flu? It is a very high levels right now.

 

No flu.. All the symptoms lead to noro-virus. I was on the Jan 3-6th cruise

What causes infection with a norovirus? How is it spread?

 

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. The viruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including

◾through direct contact with another person who is infected (for example, caring for or diapering an ill child, sharing food or eating utensils with an ill person);

◾touching surfaces or objects contaminated with a norovirus (such as door handles); and

◾eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated.

 

People exposed to the virus usually develop symptoms of illness within 24 to 48 hours, but symptoms can occur as soon as 12 hours after exposure. People infected with a norovirus can be contagious from the moment they start feeling ill to at least three days after they have recovered. Some people may be contagious for as long as two weeks after recovery.

 

Most foodborne outbreaks of norovirus illness occur when food is contaminated by food handlers who have the virus, especially if they don’t wash their hands properly after using the bathroom. Some foods can be contaminated at their source (for instance, shellfish such as oysters can be contaminated by sewage in water before they are harvested). Waterborne outbreaks are often caused by sewage contamination of drinking water from wells and recreational water.

 

What are the symptoms of a norovirus?

 

The most common symptoms of norovirus illness are

◾nausea,- I have this

◾vomiting,- I have this

◾diarrhea, and

◾stomach cramps. - have this

 

Symptoms can also include

◾low-grade fever,

◾chills, - I have this

◾headache,- I have this

◾muscle aches, and - I have this

◾fatigue.- I have this

:mad: