Canada Introduces Regulations to Address Aquatic Invasive Species
The entry into force of new regulations to strengthen the prevention of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Canadian waters was announced today by Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea. The Government of Canada, which spends more than $14 million on AIS issues annually, worked with provincial and territorial governments to develop the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations. The regulations provide tools for both the Department and provinces to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS…
Norwalk Virus Rears Its Ugly Head on Princess
Just when the cruise industry thought that the nasty little Norwalk Virus bug – a gastrointestinal virus that strikes quickly with symptoms that cause much discomfort. While there is no cure for this rapid-spreading virus that is usually spread through food, but can be picked from germs spread via handrails or elevator buttons, the ordeal usually lasts anywhere from 24-48 hours. he virus first made its entrance late last year and was not exclusive to just one cruise line. Some of cruise’s biggest players such as P&O, Holland America, Carnival and Disney all reported sporadic cases of the virus onboard its vessels at several ports. This time however…
CDC Makes Responds to Illness Aboard the Ocean Princess
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Vessel Sanitation Program has responded to an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness aboard the Princess Cruises’ Ocean Princess with recommendations for aggressive sanitation measures. These measures are currently being implemented by the owners of the vessel in order to halt the spread of disease. CDC is also coordinating with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and Health Canada. On May 26, Princess Cruises notified CDC of an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness aboard the Ocean Princess. The ship was en route from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. Of the 2,053 passengers on board, at least 40 became ill with gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition, 12 of the 852 crew members also became ill.
Norwalk Virus Affects Passengers on Cruise Ship
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) has responded to an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness caused by a Norwalk virus aboard Holland America’s Ryndam by recommending that the cruise line implement aggressive sanitation and disinfection procedures. Although these measures were implemented by the crew on July 25, additional cases continued to develop, and on July 31, Holland America Lines elected to take the Ryndam out of service from August 1 through August 7 to break the cycle of the Norwalk virus being spread among passengers and crew. While the vessel is out of service, Holland America will also continue with a systematic cleaning and sanitizing of the vessel.
ICCL Adopts Guidelines to Prevent and Reduce Risk of SARS
The International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) and its 16 members today announced formal adoption of aggressive new guidelines to prevent the occurrence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) – both before and after ships sail. Developed in close consultation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Canada, the measures are designed to protect ships’ passengers, crew and ports of call alike. Although no confirmed reports of SARS have been reported on any ICCL member vessel, the membership of the ICCL is acting with an abundance of caution. In the weeks following the initial outbreak of SARS, cruise…
Carnival Legend Earns Perfect Scores
The new 88,500-ton Carnival Legend scored perfect 100s from both the U.S. Department of Public Health and Canadian Public Health Service during inspections in Baltimore and Halifax, Nova Scotia, earlier this month. The new 2,124-passenger vessel, which entered service in August 2002 and embarked on a six-day Bermuda cruise from Baltimore yesterday, Oct. 30, received perfect marks on all 42 items that comprise the U.S. encompass the Health Canada's Cruise Ship Inspection Guide. U.S. and overall cleanliness of the galley and other shipboard areas. The potable water supply used in spas and pools is also examined. "While Carnival ships consistently receive high public health inspection marks, perfect scores are quite rare. perfect marks from both U.S.
