Royal Caribbean says onboard H1N1 incidents few, optimistic about ability to minimize exposure

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Royal Caribbean exec says few H1N1 incidents

Last spring’s outbreak of swine flu caused cruise lines to cancel visits to areas of Mexico and even quarantine infected passengers. On Tuesday, executives at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said the cruise operator was still feeling lingering effects as the virus spreads around the world.

But Adam Goldstein, CEO of the company’s Royal Caribbean International line, said the carrier’s top doctor was making rounds onboard ships to work with staff on protocols to be followed if there are any onboard outbreaks of the illness also known as H1N1.

QUESTION: What kind of affect is the swine flu having on ship operations?

RESPONSE: “We’re not seeing very much H1N1 incidents on our ships at moment, which is something that we’re quite pleased about. … We’re optimistic with regard to the medical capabilities of our ships and our sanitation procedures and our ability to minimize the impact of H1N1 on board our ships. We believe that the public is understanding since April and May when the illness turned out to be not as severe as was originally feared. While it is a public health issue, it’s not a particular issue for the cruise industry.”