Roseanne Columns

I've used the following website before. It costs $1 but it makes printing your Royal Caribbean Luggage Labels much easier - you just upload your EDOCS.pdf file they send you and it sorts it all out. Nice little time saver.

http://www.rclabels.com

Thank you everybody for your views, they have been most helpful.

I also have utmost sympathy for the staff. I cruise a lot and recognise how tough such a job is.

Just asking on behalf of my parents who aren't web-savvy, would my family be in a position (along with the other guests onboard) be able to claim some sort of refund/compensation?

I received a call from my father today, who is currently onboard the Ryndam with my Mother.

He told me how the cruise has been cut short by Holland America due to a severe outbreak of Norovirus onboard and is returning to Harwich early. He told me that there is a very bleak atmosphere on the ship, will most staff wearing clinical masks throughout the ship and a common feel amongst guests that surfaces can't be touched, or food enjoyed.

Both of my parents have been ill, and my father said that a large number of people on the cruise have been very poorly indeed. My great uncle and aunt are also on the ship, and my uncle has been confined to his stateroom for many days, receiving much care from the ship's medical team.

My father mentioned that they boarded the ship later than planned, in Harwich, as the crew were performing a deep clean due to a similar breakout on the previous cruise. All guests were offered the chance of a full refund, but were assured that adequate measures had been taken to avoid further infection.

Taking Holland America's word, my parents decided to go on the cruise as planned, but he now tells me they wish they hadn't - something which is a common feeling amongst other guests.

Far from wishing to put the fear up anybody who may be joining the ship on Saturday, I wanted to share this information with others who may take this into account before embarking on their cruise.