I was just wondering if people are still getting the flu on the cruise ships?<BR><BR>I haven't heard much on the news?

Susa<BR>We crusied two weeks ago and I got sick on the way home in the airport(<BR>thank God, it was not a day or two before!!)I have no idea if it was the Norwalk virus or not. I just know I was realllly sick and was sick all the way home. Lasted 24hr and was gone.

Was on a cruise last week and did not hear of a single person being sick. The news media has found something else to zero in on so you won't be hearing much, if anything else, about any virus.

cd - Sorry to hear that you got sick. It does sound like the Norwalk virus. I guess whenever you are in a closed in area with people, especially around flu season there are chances of getting sick.<BR><BR>I'm glad it didn't last long for you though!

From what I've been hearing, a lot more people are getting Norwalk at home versus the cruise ships. I was an unfortunate victim at the beginning of January. A couple with sick children passed it on to me at the New Year's Eve party I attended. The sad part was that I knew Norwalk was going around so I'd been careful to wash my hands excessively. I think they passed it on in the food they brought to the party.<BR><BR>I would like to say that you can definitely distinguish Norwalk from the flu. With Norwalk, you have stomach cramps, diahrea, and vomiting (often all at the same time) but no sniffling, sneezing, fever, or body aches like one usually experiences with flu. Norwalk hits you suddenly with little warning and it is over after 1-2 days. I don't wish it upon anyone.

Illness Hits Hundreds Aboard Cruise Ship <BR><BR>Sunday February 2, 2003 2:20 PM<BR><BR><BR>HONOLULU (AP) - Nearly 250 passengers and crew of the Sun Princess came down with a gastrointestinal illness during the cruise ship's voyage from Los Angeles to Hawaii, Princess Cruises said. <BR><BR>It wasn't known if the ill were suffering from Norwalk or Norwalk-like viruses, which afflicted more than 1,500 cruise ship passengers in recent months. The viruses - which cause diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting for up to 48 hours - are spread by close contact with infected people or the things they have touched. <BR><BR>Those with symptoms aboard the Sun Princess weren't allowed to take shore excursions as the cruise line set to work sanitizing the ship after it arrived in Honolulu Harbor on Saturday morning. <BR><BR>The first illness was reported shortly after the vessel left Los Angeles on Jan. 25, the cruise line said. The 247 people afflicted complained of common symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. <BR><BR>``I was quarantined in my stateroom,'' said passenger Richard McNally, who said he could get food only through room service. <BR><BR>The ship was to make stops at Kauai and Maui before returning to California.<BR>

We just returned from a 7 day Southern Caribbean cruise. I am happy to report I heard of no one becoming ill. I must admit it was a concern for me prior to sailing. We had a great time, wonderful weather, and truly enjoyed ourselves. I feel sorry for anyone who does become ill.