Port of Grand Turk Temporarily Closed Due To Norovirus Outbreak

A recent surge in norovirus-like illnesses have been reported on cruise ships that have recently called in the island nation of Grand Turk.

Guests on the recent cruises have reported symptoms only after calling in Grand Turk. Carnival Cruise Lines, which operates the Grand Turk Cruise Center, has decided to close the port in order to investigate the cause of the bug and fully eradicate it. This means that all Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruises calls in Grand Turk have been suspended indefinitely until the port can be properly sanitized and cleared of the norovirus-like bug.

While no one cause has yet to be blamed, Carnival does have a good idea of what may be causing cruisers to fall ill: “Although not confirmed, we are investigating whether there may be a link with consumption of food and beverages while guests were ashore in Grand Turk,’ Carnival Cruise Lines said in a statement.”

The bright side: Due to the fact that Holland, Princess, and Carnival have cancelled calls ahead of time, there may be a chance to reschedule ships to call in other ports instead of spending a day at sea.

There is no word yet on when the port may reopen, but I believe that it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to illnesses on cruise ships.

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Photo: Mike Faust

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