Cruise operators do not "send" passengers. They carry them.

Individuals with brains can choose to postpone or cancel their travel plans. If they didn't cover the trip with insurance, a significant amount of money may be lost. Still the individual's choice.

I doubt we'll see news footage of someone's dear old granny being hog-tied and Shanghai'd.

As of yesterday (4/27), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel warning:
"At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico..."
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx

As of today (4/28), the World Health Organization is not recommending restriction of travel:
"WHO does not recommend to restrict international travel. As usual it is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention."
http://www.who.int/ith/updates/2009_04_28/en/index.html

Considering that confirmed cases are in 7 countries, including Mexico and the USA, a cruise ship passenger would not become a new vector for infection.

Passengers and tourists can still take the same basic precautions against "normal" flu or cold spread. Swine flu is not magical...it spreads the same way.

- Avoid sick people.
- Get a flu shot or shots in advance.
- Isolate yourself if you're sick.
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating or applying makeup.
- Carry alcohol gel hand sanitizer and FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.1
- If in close quarters, wear a mask.2
- Use disposable items, like paper towel, napkins, etc. in public areas.
- Seek medical attention quickly if exposed to confirmed/unconfirmed swine flu infections, or if you exhibit signs of infection after traveling in an infected region. (There are screenings and tests to confirm.)

1 Most people do not use two applications and follow a 30-second exposure. They also forget tops of hands, under nails, nail beds.
2 Most mask use is ineffective because users are not consistent. If you wear it half the time because it's uncomfortable or embarrassing, you may not be reducing your exposure significantly.
Source(s):
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx
http://www.who.int/ith/updates/2009_04_28/en/index.html


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