Princess Cruises reports that the recent norovirus outbreak aboard the cruise line's Dawn Princess ship is "well on the way to being resolved," according to Louise Goldsbury of CruiseCritic.com.
On Monday it was reported that roughly 200 people onboard the ship fell ill over the weekend.
A Princess Cruises spokesperson said that the "Dawn Princess' response was both timely and effective and the significant decline in new cases was testament to the proactive approach."
"We are also aware that external factors may have played a part, including reports of a higher than normal level of norovirus in the general population in Victoria at a rate usually expected in winter rather than early summer," the spokesperson added.
The 13-day voyage to New Zealand, carrying more than 1,500 passengers, departed from Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 28 and is expected to return to homeport on Thursday.
Norovirus is a gastrointestinal illness similar to the flu. It typically lasts for one to three days and symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
The illness often spreads quickly when large numbers of people are confined to one area, therefore experts recommend thorough handwashing before and after meals or using the bathroom.
The recent norovirus outbreak marks the second in as many months for Princess Cruises and its parent Carnival Corporation. Last month, more than 170 passengers aboard the Crown Princess fell ill on a Pacific voyage.
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