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Gastro outbreak hits 90 passengers on Sun Princess cruise ship, Queensland Health says

The ship underwent a "prolonged disinfection" in preparation for the next group of passengers.

The ship underwent a "prolonged disinfection" in preparation for the next group of passengers. Photo: AAP

A gastro outbreak on a cruise ship has affected about 90 holidaymakers, leaving others hoping to board in Brisbane with a prolonged and anxious wait as the ship is disinfected, Queensland Health says.

The Sun Princess docked in Brisbane on Thursday morning, having completed a 12-day trip to Papua New Guinea.

The operator, Princess Cruises, said the ship and terminal would undergo a “prolonged disinfection” ahead of its departure for a 14-day trip to New Zealand.

Boarding passengers said they were left waiting for up to two hours as the ship was disinfected.

Cheers were heard as they were given the all-clear to board.

Princess Cruises said passengers waiting to board the ship had been notified about norovirus and appropriate hygiene standards.

Queensland Health said the virus was a common self-limiting illness which usually lasted for one to three days.

Princess Cruises said it was rare and unusual for passengers to pick up a stomach bug near the end of a cruise.

The company said it was already on alert because norovirus had been active in the general community in recent months.

There were reports of gastro outbreak on the Sun Princess in December last year.

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