19 ill in suspected norovirus outbreak on liner

CASTRIES, St. Lucia (AP) -- Nineteen people aboard the cruise ship Queen Mary 2 have been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal illness as the liner docked Friday in the Caribbean island of St. Lucia.

Cunard Line spokeswoman Jackie Chase says that seven passengers have recovered and that officials aboard the ship have taken steps to prevent other passengers from catching the suspected norovirus. Sick passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins and will be reimbursed for shore-excursion costs.

Chase said Friday that there are a total of 2,613 passengers aboard the Queen Mary 2.

The liner departed New York on Saturday on a 12-night Caribbean cruise. The ship's next scheduled stop is St. Maarten.

Cunard Line is part of Miami-based Carnival Corp., the world's largest cruise operator.