Cruise Ship Kept in Miami After Illnesses

ATLANTA — Federal health officials on Friday told the MS Royal Odyssey cruise ship to remain in port in Miami while they investigate reports of passengers and crew getting sick on three straight voyages last month.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said those aboard the March 4-14 cruise first reported getting diarrhea.

An investigation found Norwalk or Norwalk-like viruses, which cause gastrointestinal illness usually associated with contaminated water and food.

Symptoms of the disorder include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

The problem persisted during the next two cruises, including the one that ended Friday. On that voyage, nearly four out of 10 passengers and one out of five crew members got sick at least once.

In Miami, television station WTVJ reported that Norwegian Cruise Line had canceled the next cruise, an 11-day trip through the Caribbean that was supposed to start Friday.

The ship’s owners also said that approximately 800 passengers will receive full refunds and a free seven-day cruise on one of the line’s other ships, WTVJ said.