Gastro hits P&0 Sea Princess travelling from New Zealand to Brisbane

AN outbreak of gastro on board a two-week cruise reportedly struck down 43 people - and it all started on day two of a 14-day trip.

AN outbreak of gastro on board a two-week cruise ship reportedly struck down 43 people at its worst.

Passengers arrived in Brisbane on Thursday morning after leaving from New Zealand just days before Christmas.

The Princess Cruises Sea Princess docking at Portside on Thursday morning. Picture: AAP/Mark Cranitch.

They have told of the scrupulous sanitising efforts on board the cruise to limit the spread of the virus, which was detected on the second day of the cruise.

Michael Connolly, 53 of Gladstone, said cruise staff were extremely diligent in cleaning the ship.

“It was handled really well,” he said.

“On day two we weren’t able to help ourselves to the buffet. The staff were serving and handling the food themselves so the virus couldn’t spread.”

Passenger Michael Connolly said the gastro outbreak was handled well by staff. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

He said laundry use was also limited so staff could use water to clean parts of the ship.

Zoe Teichmann, 29 of Kelvin Grove, also said it was very well contained.

“It was actually a really good cruise and I didn’t see a single sick person,” she said.

“They cleaned everything which is why I think it was well contained.”