Norovirus prevention

[Two Tumbleweeds]

Several ships have had a problem with Norovirus spreading among passengers and crew. The ships had to go through disinfection before new passengers could board which caused long delays in embarkation and departure. One thing that everyone on board should practice is to wash your hands frequently. If you place your hand on a railing you could be in trouble, but using the hand disinfectant available at various locations throughout the ship, or carrying your own, could prevent the problem. Washing with soap and water is always recommended. A cruise should be enjoyed to the fullest but the effects of a Norovirus infection could ruin the cruise quickly!

[RichC]

Hand sanitizers do nothing to kill the virus so unless you wash you hands thoroughly or carry a bottle of bleach to pour over your hands before eating you're going to get it. It might make you feel safer but does nothing to help. 
I've got my own methods of not contracting it which include being first in the buffet, eating in the dining room and avoiding touching as many items as possible on the ship. I don't know if I'll be OK in the future but it's worked for me in the past & we've sailed at least 6 times with the virus to some degree. Maybe I've just been lucky. 

[TrishEd]

I remember on one of our first cruises with Princess, they made an announcement that if at all possible, avoid touching and using the hand rails. So far for us this has helped.

[RichC]

Stairway hand rails are probably the worst thing to touch along with elevator buttons, chair arm rests, outside railings, public phones & the dreaded public computer keyboards.