Royal Caribbean Suffers Vomiting, Diarrhea Outbreak

(RTTNews) - Nearly 200 passengers onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ship suffered from vomiting and diarrhea after they were struck down with gastroenteritis bug.

Royal Caribbean's biggest ship "Ovation of the Seas" carries more than 5800 passengers and has been sailing for two weeks. It arrived in Tasmania, Australia, on Tuesday after a trip to Singapore.

Royal Caribbean said 195 people received over-the-counter medication for gastroenteritis.

The ship will be "comprehensively sanitized and cleansed" once it arrives at its next port in Sydney tomorrow before new passengers board.

"Those affected by the short-lived illness were treated by our ship's doctors with over-the-counter medication, and we hope all our guests feel better quickly," Royal Caribbean said in a statement. "Meanwhile, we're taking steps like intensive sanitary procedures to minimize the risk of any further issues."

"In addition, crew have undertaken enhanced cleaning practices throughout the cruise, including significantly increasing the already regular sanitization of hand touch surfaces such as door handles, railings and elevator buttons.

"We communicate well established educational hand hygiene practices to all passengers and crew. Hand washing basins are provided at key dining venues and hand sanitizers at all restaurants and bar entrances, where crew are located encouraging guests to use the sanitizing hand product."