Investigation Update on the Norwegian Pearl

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruise Ship: Norwegian Pearl

Voyage Dates: 4/13-4/22

Number of ill passengers out of total number of passengers: 92 of 2490 (3.69%)

Number of ill crew out of total number of crew: 7 of 1084 (0.65%)

Predominant symptoms: diarrhea and vomiting

Actions: In response to the outbreak, Norwegian Cruise Line and the crew aboard the ship took the following actions:

• increased cleaning and disinfection procedures,
• suspended guest self-service buffets,
• stressed proper handwashing to both passengers and crew,
• notified oncoming passengers of illness, and
• sent daily updates to CDC and until the number of ill people returned to expected levels.

VSP staff boarded the ship to conduct a targeted environmental investigation and make recommendations. By the following voyage (4/22-5/6), the number of ill people lowered and after two subsequent voyages (5/6-5/11) the number of ill people returned to expected levels.