A Highly-publicised outbreak of stomach viruses among passengers aboard cruise ships has left the US-based industry queasy. The bad news has cut profits and undermined consumer confidence at the beginning of the critical 'wave' period from January to March, when the majority of US summer cruises are booked. Just as the $11 Bn industry began rebounding from September 11 fears that cruise ships would be targeted by terrorists, more than 1, 500 passengers have become ill with vomiting and diarrhoea on seven ships in the last three months. South Florida-based ships operated by Disney and Holland America Line have each voluntarily cancelled a sailing on afflicted ships to stem contagion.
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