Passengers and crew on Princess cruise ship Golden Princess were struck by stomach bug and flu outbreak on the current voyage to the South Pacific. According to Herald Sun one senior passenger has died of natural causes.

Princess cruises and the health authorities have not revealed the number of sick passengers and crew, however people on board report 'a really bad case of gastro'.

Additional cleaning procedures were implemented by crew according to the ships Outbreak Prevention Plan OPP. Buffet self-service on lido deck is switched with crew serving passengers in order to prevent spreading of the norovirus. 

Cleaning of public areas with bleach and microbac is boosted and affected people are isolated in their cabins. 

Golden Princess left Melbourne, Australia on March 8 and is expected to arrive on Tuesday, March 22. 

This is fourth Princess cruise ship struck by Norovirus outbreak this year.

• CDC reported 43 passengers and 5 crew members with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea on Ocean Princess voyage departing on February 13, 2016.
• A month ago, Diamond Princess cruise ship sailing from Sydney, Australia was struck by norovirus with 158 people affected by stomach bug.
• Crown Princess reported Norovirus outbreak on January 8 - 18, 2016 voyage, with 180 passengers and 24 crew members struck by stomach bug.