Norwegian Joy Back in the News, Passengers Complain of Stomach Illness

According to the Torrance Daily Breeze, “At least 19 people were checked for stomach illness symptoms after the cruise ship they were aboard arrived at San Pedro harbor Sunday morning. It was the same vessel where more than 100 passengers and some crew members reported being ill one week earlier.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said none of the people checked by its personnel asked to be hospitalized after the Norwegian Cruise Lines “Norwegian Joy” docked at Berth 92 in San Pedro early Sunday morning.”

This story was released on Dec. 1.

Just a week ago – on Nov. 24 – passengers fell ill to similar symptoms. Some of those passengers were transported to local hospitals for further care.

2 incidents in a week? What gives?

It leads to questions about the ship, the crew or Norwegian Cruise Line’s ability to properly maintain a safe sailing environment for its passengers. Are they not cleaning or disinfecting the ship properly? Is there a deeper issue with cleanliness, food preparation or crew member sanitation processes?

Los Angeles Supervisor Janice Hahn issued the following statement Sunday:

“I am calling on the Center for Disease Control to work closely with our L.A. County Public Health officials to ensure the passenger illnesses aboard the Norwegian Joy do not become an infectious disease outbreak here in the harbor area. This is the second time in a week that this ship has been forced to dock at the Port of Los Angeles due to passenger illness and it raises serious concerns about the hygiene of this ship. If the ship is not cleaned to a point that ensures the health and safety of its passengers, it should not be allowed to leave dock.”

Accidents and illness are not uncommon on Norwegian vessels.

In March of 2019, passengers were injured when the Norwegian Escape tilted dangerously in high winds. In June of 2019, a Norwegian Epic passenger went overboard.

While stomach issues or norovirus outbreaks are generally not serious medical issues, they can severely impact the health of older passengers – especially those with preexisting conditions.

Were you a victim of illness or injury on board a Norwegian cruise? If so, and have questions, please contact our attorneys today.