Passengers planning to enjoy a 14-day voyage instead had to contend with wild weather and a gastro outbreak, with 182 cases of gastroenteritis.
The Royal Caribbean International (RCI) cruise ship Explorer of the Seas arrived at Circular Quay, Sydney about 6 a.m. yesterday morning, where NSW Ambulance paramedics were on standby.
None of the 182 affected passengers needed to be taken to hospital, NSW Health confirmed.
The outbreak is under control and the ship will undergo special cleaning before it allows more passengers to board, NSW Health’s South Eastern Sydney health district director, Professor Mark Ferson, confirmed.
“The cruise ship was carrying approximately 4,700 passengers and crew,” Prof. Ferson said. “There have been 182 cases reported at the ship’s medical clinic over the duration of the cruise and the outbreak is under control. There have been no medical disembarkations or patients requiring hospitalisation. Ship board measures, including increased sanitation, further cleaning and hygiene procedures will occur prior to passengers arriving on board.”
The cruise also experienced a freak wind gust on December 15 while travelling through the Tasman Sea, Royal Carribean International confirmed.