More than 100 passengers and crew of a cruise ship fell ill during a trip off California believed to have been caused by a contagious gastrointestinal virus called Norovirus.

The passengers suffered from vomiting, diarrhea and nausea as the ship docked in San Diego, a spokeswoman from the ship, Crown Princess, said.

Like Us on Facebook

All the sick passengers on board were tested by the cruise line doctor who confirmed that the the patients indeed caught the Norovirus, the usual ailment that hits passengers of cruise lines.

Spokeswoman Karen Candy said the cruise ship, carrying more than 3,000 passengers,  will continue to proceed to Los Angeles as part of its usual itinerary and go on to the waters off California and Northern Mexico, Candy said.

Doctors said Norovirus  usually hits cruise ships passengers because of the large number of people staying in a small area. They pointed out that in this setup, people tend to forget to wash their hands as well as the kids in tow.

The buffet table usually becomes contaminated by the diners themselves, which in turn could sicken the rest of the passengers.

Norovirus outbreaks have hit dozens of cruise lines in the past, travel medicine expert Michael Zimring said. He lamented that cruise ships have yet to take precautions on being hit by the virus, which he added, is unpleasant but usually mild.

Norovirus has become the most common cause of the contagious gastrointestinal disease among ship liners.

Recently, 117 passengers of a Royal Carribbean Cruise Line ship was downed by the Norovirus during a trip from Baltimore.