Third U.S. cruise ship sails after stomach virus outbreak

By The Associated Press
Published: February 06, 2012
Updated: February 06, 2012 - 8:59 AM

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FORT LAUDERDALE --

A third U.S.-based cruise ship with an outbreak of stomach illness has sailed again after being decontaminated in South Florida.

The vessel Ruby Princess sailed Sunday from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades. It was one of three cruise ships that docked in Florida and Louisiana over the weekend with outbreaks of norovirus.

Port Everglades spokeswoman Ellen Kennedy told the South Florida Sun Sentinel (http://sunsent.nl/zJG6rk) that the Ruby Princess was cleaned Sunday and departed. Passengers were informed of the virus and cleanup as they waited to board.

Norovirus causes upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.

Princess Cruise Lines operates the ship and another, the Crown Princess, that sailed from Fort Lauderdale after cleaning.

Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Sea left New Orleans a couple of hours late Saturday because of the same illness.