SILVER NOVA

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Cruise ship reported gastrointestinal illness outbreak

The 'Silver Nova', has reported a gastrointestinal illness outbreak on its current sailing, with nearly 30 guests and crew members reporting symptoms. Onboard actions have been taken to ensure good hygiene and minimize any further spreading of the illness, as well as to keep guests informed of the situation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was monitoring the disease outbreak. Of the confirmed cases, 28 were reported from passengers out of the 633 travelers onboard (4.42%), while just one was a crew member out of the 538 staff onboard (.19%). The severity of the symptoms has also not been clarified. At this time, the type of disease is not yet confirmed, though the primary symptom was diarrhea. This could likely be norovirus or may be a different gastrointestinal disease. The total of 29 cases does not mean that 29 guests and crew members were sick simultaneously; the total is only confirmed, reported, symptomatic cases during the entire voyage. In response to the reported cases onboard, crew members aboard the 'Silver Nova' have immediately implemented enhanced sanitation and other measures to minimize any further spread. This includes announcements to both crew and staff encouraging good hand hygiene at all times, including before eating and after using the restroom. Anyone reporting symptoms has also been isolated to further minimize possible transmission. Increased cleaning and disinfection protocols have also been implemented onboard, particularly for high-contact surfaces and public areas. The 'Silver Nova' was sailing a 16-night one-way cruise from Lima, Peru to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, having visited ports in Ecuador, Panama, Colombia, Jamaica, and Mexico en route. Guests could also have embarked in Cartagena, Colombia, for the last 7 nights of the sailing. The ship was due to arrive at Port Everglades on April 16, and there appeared to be no delay in the scheduled arrival. Her next voyage, scheduled to depart the same day, was a 20-night one-way from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco, California, including a full transit of the Panama Canal. It was possible that embarkation for the next sailing was slightly delayed in order to facilitate further deep cleaning and sanitation procedures, and guests would be contacted directly if that were to be implemented. The next itinerary should not be impacted by any slight delay.

Crew member critically injured in accident

The Brazilian Coast Guard carried out the medical evacuation of a crew member of the 'Silver Nova' after he sustained serious injuries sustained during elevator maintenance on Feb 24, 2024. In an attempt to help the injured crew member, the ship asked for volunteers with type O blood to donate at the medical center. In response to the medical emergency, the ship changed course to approach a port where the injured could receive proper medical care. The captain requested the Brazilian Coast Guard to transport the victim to a hospital. He then underwent a five-hour surgical procedure and was currently in critical but stable condition receiving intensive care in the ICU.