Costa Favolosa Enhances Sanitation Measures in Response to Gastrointestinal Illness and Norovirus Outbreak

Costa Favolosa has implemented emergency health and safety measures in response to reports of gastrointestinal illness, specifically Norovirus, among passengers during its ongoing 7-day cruise in Northern Europe. The ship, which departed from Hamburg, Germany, has experienced multiple guests reporting symptoms resembling gastroenteritis.

As a precautionary measure, Costa Cruises initiated a comprehensive sanitation effort on May 18, while the vessel was docked in Newhaven, Edinburgh, Scotland. Passengers were formally notified about the extensive disinfection process that aimed to maintain high hygiene standards. During this time, guests were asked to temporarily disembark or stay outside their cabins to enable effective cleaning.

Preventive actions included enhanced sanitization of frequently touched surfaces throughout the ship, a temporary halt on certain services and public areas, and increased awareness of hygiene procedures for both crew and passengers. Captain Valentino Savarese addressed the passengers, noting that while rigorous sanitary measures were in place, the nature of gastrointestinal viruses could lead to transmission via common contact points like door handles and elevator buttons.

Passengers were reminded to practice thorough hand hygiene, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to minimize physical contact. They were also advised to use in-cabin restrooms to limit shared exposure and to report any symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea to the ship’s medical team. Furthermore, caution was emphasized regarding the consumption of unsealed water while on shore, with recommendations to opt for bottled water instead.

Despite these challenges, the cruise itinerary remains on schedule, and while no specific figures regarding affected passengers have been disclosed, Costa Cruises assures that the situation is being closely monitored and that the health and safety of guests and crew is of paramount concern.

The current itinerary of Costa Favolosa is a 19-day journey from Marseille to Hamburg, which began on May 3 and will conclude on May 22.

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