New Orleans Cruise Ship Departure Delayed Due to Alleged Virus Outbreak

February 6, 2012 | J. Price McNamara
New Orleans Cruise Ship Departure Delayed Due to Alleged Virus Outbreak

In yet another possible hit for the cruise industry this year, a ship scheduled to depart from the Port of New Orleans on Saturday was delayed for several hours due to a purported stomach virus outbreak. The Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas is one of three cruise ships in the United States suspected of a weekend norovirus outbreak. Two ships based out of Florida, the Ruby Princess and the Crown Princess, also reported a similar outbreak of illness. According to Louisiana state epidemiologist Raoult Ratard, the nation's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informed him of a possible outbreak on Friday before the Voyager of the Seas returned to port. The CDC did not disclose to him exactly how many arriving passengers were ill, however. It is estimated that approximately 200 passengers who returned on the ship Saturday suffered from vomiting and diarrhea due to the virus. Ratard also stated the outbreak was not large and up to 3,000 individuals may be ill due to norovirus exposure on any given day in the City of New Orleans alone. The virus outbreak caused concern due to the close quarters associated with cruise travel. Any illness can spread quickly in such an environment. On Saturday, officials in New Orleans took extra precautions to thoroughly clean and sanitize the ship in the hopes of avoiding any additional passenger exposure to the virus on the 15-deck, 3,100-passenger cruise ship. After the ship was decontaminated, the Voyager of the Seas departed New Orleans on a seven day trip. Accidental personal injuries can arise in any number of settings. In Louisiana, an individual who is hurt due to another person's negligence may generally recover for mental and physical suffering and pain, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, and lost wages or earning capacity. The compensation a personal injury victim may receive is highly fact specific, and will depend heavily on the extent of the injury. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you evaluate your claim and negotiate a fair settlement. If you or a loved one was injured or became ill while on board a cruise ship, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. J. Price McNamara is a skilled Contact J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney He handles maritime law, wrongful death, and personal injury cases throughout the State of Louisiana including Orleans, Ascension, Jefferson, Kenner, Lafayette, Lafourche, St. John, Mandeville, Terrebonne, East Baton Rouge, and West Baton Rouge Parishes. To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case, you may contact him through his website or call him today at (866) 248-0580.

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J. Price McNamara

Attorney

Losing my own brother, then my father and sister after long, disabling illnesses just a few months apart drove a career change for me. Before that experience, I never truly understood the place you’re in. I never understood the dramatic impact that receiving (or not receiving) the disability and life insurance benefits you paid for and counted on can have on your life especially when you need to focus on family and healing. What I experienced with my own family now drives the way I view my clients and my work, and I will never forget it!

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