Topic: NOROVIRUS-Pointing the Finger

I spotted a review earlier today recently written by a passenger who had picked up the Norovirus. A number of comments had been added, one of which I copy here:-

"We were also on Queen Victoria at the same time. I contracted the bug despite being ultra careful about handwashing etc.Cunard were not good at handling the situation.We changed ships in Fort Lauderdale to the Grand Princess I didn't feel well until about 2 days before we were due to come home.It was a holiday from hell".

The comment, of course, beggars belief and indeed had already attracted a somewhat scornful comment from one of this Forum's members. This is the members comment:-

"How interesting that you joined "another ship" so shortly after you had been hit by the N.virus. Were you not asked to complete a public health questionnaire before boarding the ship at F.lauderdale ? The one that says ' To assist us in preventing the spread of Communicable Disease during your cruise, we require you to answer the following questions' ( you did before you boarded Cunard and you would have done before you boarded Princess) Which box did you tick for question (2) 'within the last few days, have you or any person listed above developed any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting' ? Yes - NO It then asks for your signature to the questions and goes onto say ' I certify that the above declaration is true and correct and that any dishonest answers may have serious health implications'. It is easy to put the blame onto the individual cruise companies when there is an outbreak, when in fact this sort of virus is often brought onto the ship by the guest".

I just find it amazing that the writer of the original comment even had the nerve to write it, let alone admit it. Is it any wonder this virus is a problem on cruise ships?

Any other views?

Some people blame everyone else for their ill-health (and other issues) on cruises and see no irony in the fact that they make themselves into the bringer of doom aboard another ship!

How many unlucky passengers were infected on Grand Princess thanks to this selfish individual - did they also have a holiday from hell?

It would be helpful if the cruise company could lay down some guidelines for passengers that declare they have a problem. Was that selfish individual inspired by the fear of being abandoned in Fort Lauderdale with the resultant cost and hassle whilst feeling distinctly under the weather? How would that person get home? Where would he/she stay without infecting others? Does his insurance cover it?

The temptation, albeit wrong, is keep his head down and carry on. Instead of just a bland declaration, a statement from the Cruise Company that it will be covered by the insurance (if that is correct) and we will help may assist in reducing this problem. I fear the current position of the Cruise Company would be "you cannot board in that condition - Goodbye".

Yes, self-declaration is never going to work, is it? Too many people want others to be honest at all times, but reserve the right to fib when it suits them.

Hold on folks, where is the original review as it is not clear to me when the passenger became ill. Was it before they changed ships or later on the Princess ship?

Ok, I can't read, the bug had been contracted on the first ship so the passenger lied on the health declaration?

it appears that boots now sell a handgel which kills viruses as well as bacteria.is this effective enough to be used by cruiselines? recently went on a cruise with thomsons and with warnings/handgel etc. i don't know how they could have done much more to prevent the nasties.let's have a society of informed people taking responsibility for their actions.

QUOTE:

it appears that boots now sell a handgel which kills viruses as well as bacteria.is this effective enough to be used by cruiselines? recently went on a cruise with thomsons and with warnings/handgel etc. i don't know how they could have done much more to prevent the nasties.let's have a society of informed people taking responsibility for their actions.

Couldn't agree more. In today's blame culture, we rush to attribute blame as it sits better in our mind if it's "their fault". Not helped by a hastily judgmental media who can rush to conclusion at the drop of a hat.

However, there are many open questions on the actions of the originator of this posert. However as we don't have the author or the responder in this thread, I fear the best we can do is speculate and offer opinion.

QUOTE:

Hold on folks, where is the original review as it is not clear to me when the passenger became ill. Was it before they changed ships or later on the Princess ship?

Ok, I can't read, the bug had been contracted on the first ship so the passenger lied on the health declaration?

Dave if you go to the reviews section, type in Cunard and scroll down to the Post "The Cruise From hell" The comment below it, from Roberts, Mold says he/she contracted the virus on the QV and then boarded the Grand Princess, so must have lied on the declaration, as he /she also says they didn't feel better until 2 days before coming home!

It beggars belief! Lizzie

Thanks, I found the review.

I reckon being economical with the truth is common when filling in the health declaration form, especially if you are thousands of miles from home.

I believe that amongst the artefacts found when the Mary Rose was brought to the surface was a document on which could still be observed the following:

Ye Healthe Questionnaire

1. Have ye gotte ye plague?
2. Have ye gotte ye pox?