An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness has affected nearly 30 people aboard the luxury cruise liner, Silver Nova, known for its exceptional cuisine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 28 guests and one crew member fell ill with symptoms of diarrhea during the 16-day voyage from Peru. The cause of the outbreak is still unknown, but it is suspected to be from norovirus, which is primarily spread through contaminated food or water. Silversea Cruises, the company that operates the ship, has implemented quarantine procedures and increased cleaning protocols to contain the spread of the illness.
Silver Nova is one of Silversea Cruises’ newest and most luxurious liners, offering butler service for every suite and a crew member for every 1.3 guests. The ship is known for its exceptional gastronomy and even features an interactive space where guests can cook with renowned chefs. To maintain the health and safety of passengers and crew members, Silversea Cruises has been following rigorous cleaning procedures that exceed public health guidelines. The outbreak was reported just one day before the scheduled end of the “Easter” themed cruise, which started in Peru and will end on April 16.
The prices for the 16-day excursion on Silver Nova started at $11,700 for a double occupancy room. This outbreak is the fourth reported this year, with previous incidents occurring on Holland America Line and Cunard Cruise Line ships. These outbreaks were also caused by norovirus. In 2023, the CDC documented a total of 14 cruise ship outbreaks, highlighting the challenges of preventing the spread of illness in a confined space such as a cruise ship. Despite the outbreak, Silversea Cruises remains committed to prioritizing the health and safety of its guests, crew, and visited communities.
As a response to the outbreak, the Silver Nova crew has been working diligently to implement additional cleaning and disinfection procedures. Passengers and crew members who reported feeling ill have been quarantined to prevent further spread of the stomach bug. The ship includes multiple kitchens and grills, which could have been potential sources of contamination. The presence of a renowned chef on board, Nina Compton, adds to the reputation of exceptional gastronomy on the Silver Nova. However, the reputation of the ship has been marred by the recent outbreak, causing dissatisfaction among passengers who had paid premium prices for their vacation experience.
Despite the challenges posed by the outbreak, Silversea Cruises has maintained its commitment to health and safety protocols onboard its ships. The company’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of rigorous cleaning procedures to ensure the highest levels of health and safety for all passengers and crew members. The occurrence of multiple cruise ship outbreaks in recent years highlights the need for continued vigilance in preventing the spread of illnesses, particularly in confined spaces like cruise ships. The outbreak on Silver Nova serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with cruise travel and the importance of stringent health and safety measures in preventing similar incidents in the future.
