Queen Of Clean

Disembarked QV this morning in Aruba, as one of the passengers was being transferred to an ambulance on the pier in the company of the ship's doctor. Last night, over the p.a. system came an appeal for type 0+ blood. A few moments later, a thank you, that several people responded and the need was addressed.
Earlier yesterday, I met with that same captain and interviewed him about the special challenges a World Cruise presents. First, the demographic is such that there are always passengers who fall ill, and inevitably those who die. The medical center is equipped to the extent that they are able to stabilize patients till the next port if they need more attention. There are four hospital rooms where patients can stay overnight. What is more of a threat is something not life threatening but increasingly common these days: norovirus. An unpleasant virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea and flu like symptoms. QV was hit with an outbreak on one of its early cruises. As a result, there are anitbacterial gel dispensers all over the place--especially at the Lido buffet. Doc says that's a good preventive measure, but good old soap and water can't be beat. And on a ship that size, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up someone else's germs.