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Family's Dream Cruise Turns Nightmare
12 Jan
Summary
- Dozens fell ill with severe flu symptoms on a cruise.
- Illness spread rapidly, bedridden passengers and breathing issues.
- Cruise itinerary disrupted by medical emergencies and evacuations.
A family's dream cruise celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary quickly devolved into a harrowing experience with the outbreak of a virulent 'super-flu' aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. Within hours, almost a dozen family members, including young children and elderly parents, were struck by severe symptoms such as high fevers, extreme body aches, vomiting, and respiratory distress, leaving many confined to their cabins.
The aggressive and highly contagious influenza strain overwhelmed the ship's limited medical facilities. Passengers reported seeing the infirmary packed and hearing others in hallways expressing severe illness. The situation escalated with multiple medical evacuations and unplanned stops, including Turks and Caicos, to seek necessary care, causing significant delays and changes to the planned itinerary to Nassau, San Juan, and St. Thomas.
Disruptions included the closure of ship areas and a lack of clear communication from the crew regarding the medical emergencies. The experience left passengers feeling stressed and vulnerable, with one family member describing it as needing 'a vacation from my vacation.' This incident highlights the challenges of managing widespread illness at sea, especially with a novel and severe flu strain circulating.
