A CRUISE ship has been struck by a highly contagious virus for the second time in a month.

Around 86 people are suffering symptoms of the novovirus on the Jewel of the Seas, which arrives in Harwich today.

The Standard reported earlier this month that 292 guests and 16 staff members had contracted the illness, commonly known as the “winter vomiting bug”.

New passengers were told they would be departing from Harwich Port later than planned while the ship underwent a thorough steam clean.

Royal Caribbean International, which owns the Jewel of the Seas, has said an “extensive and thorough sanitization” of the ship would take place to deal with the latest outbreak.

Briony Peters, spokesperson, said: “Jewel of the Seas, which began its sailing in Harwich on June 12, is experiencing an elevated number of persons with a gastrointestinal illness.

“Over the course of that sailing, 86 guests have experienced the illness, thought to be a Norovirus.

“Those affected by the short-lived illness responded well to over-the-counter medication being administered onboard the ship.

“At Royal Caribbean International, we have high health standards for all our guests and crew.

“Therefore, in an abundance of caution, once Jewel of the Seas arrives in Harwich on Thursday, June 24, we will conduct an extensive and thorough sanitizing onboard the ship and within the cruise terminal, to help prevent any illness from affecting the subsequent sailing.”