Hundreds hit with virus on trans-Atlantic cruise

MIAMI, Nov 16 (Reuters) More than 700 people on a trans-Atlantic cruise from Italy to Florida have been hit by a stomach bug producing flu-like symptoms, the cruise line said.

The gastrointestinal illness, most likely caused by a strain of highly contagious Norovirus, has affected 556 passengers and 154 crew members aboard the Carnival Liberty, the ship's operator, Miami-based Carnival Corp, said in a statement late on Wednesday.

It said most of those affected had recovered and that the ship, which departed from Civitavecchia outside Rome on Nov 3, was scheduled to make port in Ft Lauderdale on Sunday.

REUTERS SK VV2140