Investigation Update on the Norwegian Crown
Investigation Update - April 1, 2004
- Norwegian Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the
ship, Norwegian Crown, for the voyage completed on April 4, 2004 (sailing dates: 3/22-4/04/2004) in
Philadelphia, PA.
- On March 31, Norwegian Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report
that an unusual number of Norwegian Crown passengers were experiencing GI illness. At 9:05 a.m., EST April
2, the ship’s medical staff reported that 45 of 1018 (4.38%) passengers and 8 of 546 (1.47%) crew members
were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea, and vomiting.
- The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Lab specimens were submitted and tested
positive for norovirus. Norwegian Cruise Line provided special daily reports to VSP throughout the next
cruise; elevated levels of GI illnesses were reported for a voyage two weeks later ( April 17-May 2).