‘We weren’t prepared’: Gastro outbreak rocks cruise ship

More than a dozen people are battling a gastro after an outbreak on a 300-metre cruise ship docked in Melbourne.

Despite sanitation efforts from stern to bow, Celebrity Cruises confirmed this afternoon that in the past two day there have been 18 reported cases of gastro-intestinal illness symptoms aboard the Celebrity Solstice

Those affected by the short-lived illness continued treated by the ship's doctors and responding well to over-the-counter medication.

Victoria's Department of Health said sick passengers are being quarantined to their suites, with guest hygiene a top priority to stop any further spread.

One current passenger told 9NEWS she witnesses a cleaner in a hazmat suit, hosing down a dining room table, where someone had been sick.

In spite of the ordeal, the cruise left Port Melbourne as scheduled at 5pm today to continue its 12-night New Zealand voyage.

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