FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A gastrointestinal illness has rapidly spread aboard the Queen Victoria cruise ship, leaving approximately 154 passengers and crew members experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
The cruise ship, operated by Cunard Cruise Line, departed from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 22 and is expected to reach its final destination of Honolulu, Hawaii, on Feb. 12. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently investigating the outbreak.
As of Saturday, the number of individuals affected by the illness has escalated from 139 to 154, including 129 passengers and 25 crew members. The cause of the illness still remains unknown, according to the CDC.
Cunard Cruise Line has confirmed that a number of guests reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness on board and is implementing protocols to ensure the well-being of those aboard. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program is closely monitoring the situation and evaluating the ship’s response and protocols.
The cruise line did not disclose the specific measures being taken, but the spread of the illness within a confined space like a cruise ship can be particularly concerning. Investigating the root cause of this outbreak will be crucial to prevent further escalation once the ship reaches its final destination.
In the midst of the ongoing investigation, the health and safety of the ship’s passengers and crew remain a top priority for both Cunard and the CDC. Whether the ship will continue as scheduled to its final destination or undergo further inspection and precautionary measures is yet to be determined.