Information on Norovirus, Code Red on Westerdam

[Enjoying every moment]

I noticed some comments about Norovirus Code Red on the Westerdam last year.

Does anyone have any updated information? We are boarding May 30, 2007.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

I noticed some comments about Norovirus Code Red on the Westerdam last year.

Does anyone have any updated information? We are boarding May 30, 2007.

 

I'm not a current or past passenger on the Westerdam, so I don't have first-hand knowledge, but I did try to find a little information for you.

 

Here is the information about norovirus on the Westerdam, from the CDC, the Centers for Disease Control, Vessel Sanitation Program. The last official outbreak of norovirus on the Westerdam occurred in early February.There's no way of knowing at this point whether or not your particular cruise will be affected by norovirus, but as of now, and according to the CDC, the Westerdam is not experiencing a "code red".

[jtl513]

Latest CDC report was for the 2/2 > 2/11/07 cruise:

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/GIlist.htm#2007

9 crew, 146 pax affected at the end of the cruise.

[sail7seas]

We have friends currently on Westerdam and we've heard nothing about a Code Red. They are very experienced cruisers and would fully understand what Code Red is and why etc

 

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

We were on the Westerdam 3/11-3/25 and embarked to a Code Red, which lasted 3 days. Unless you wanted to utilize the pool, spa, or library (all closed), it really wasn't a big deal-gloves in the casino, no salt & pepper shakers on tables, no self serve at the buffet, no shaking hands with the captain.

[sanibelsandals]

We were on the Westerdam 3/4-3/11. Some passengers picked up the Noro-virus our 4th day out - I believe in St. Maarten. The ship went into CODE RED. From the announcements made, the passengers were quarantined and the ship was 'sanitized'. There were extra Purell hand sanitizers just about everywhere you could imagine. The Lido displays were wrapped in plastic & all food, water & drink served to you. No salt & pepper, ketchup on tables - if you asked for it, you received packets of the condiments as needed. Ditto for bread in the Vista Dining Room. Hot tubs were closed & no books or magazines available from library.

 

At HMC the entertainment staff actually helped the crew serve the buffet items!

 

Gift shop - you could look WITH YOUR EYES. Everything was hands off to prevent any spreading of the virus.

 

We were one of the last to disembark the ship and the Hazmat suits were

all over the place - doing a 'super sanitize' of the ship.

 

Code Red is a scary name for it - but the crew of the Westerdam was like a fine tuned machine making sure the service was still excellent & the virus contained. You will have a great cruise regardless.

[sail7seas]

Thanks for the report. Good to hear you think they handled it well. Of course, it was over a month ago. The ship has done her transatlantic and is now in Europe.

 

.

[sanibelsandals]

And I wish I were on her....

[sail7seas]

ME, TOO....... :) One of the ships we have not yet sailed but are eager to.

 

[Enjoying every moment]

Hi All,

I appreciate your update. I look forward to a great trip.

Sue

[bottomrung]

The outbreak must of occured after our cruise in Jan. Feb. and I can see why. Many of the automatic despenser hand sanitizers on board failed to work when placing your hand under them.

[sail7seas]

MY DH saw one of our friends who just returned from Westerdam's transatlantic 17 day cruise. He was raving about all things Westerdam. Said the food was wonderful, crew great, excellent service....... They had a fantastic time.

 

No mention of any Code Red or Noro Virus. He was too busy saying what a terrific cruise they had.

[drmusic]

We were on the Westerdam 3/25-4/1 and encountered no problems at all. No one was sick, except with sea-sickness since we had very heavy seas and lots of rolling from side to side. But no norovirus that we know of.

[bulldogatl]

travelled from 4/1 to 4/18 on her transatlantic .. one of my top five cruises EVER. she's going into drydock as we speak for three weeks. no code red at all while we were on board. all clear.