Norovirus Strikes: Over 70 Aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Fall Ill
More than 90 individuals, comprising passengers and crew, have fallen ill due to Norovirus on a Royal Caribbean cruise. This incident occurred aboard the Serenade of the Seas, which embarked from San Diego on September 19. The ship is scheduled to conclude its journey in Miami.
Norovirus Outbreak Details
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 94 passengers and four crew members reported symptoms typical of Norovirus during the cruise. These symptoms mainly include diarrhea and vomiting. Other possible symptoms of Norovirus are:
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Abdominal cramps or fever
- Three or more loose stools within a 24-hour period
The Serenade of the Seas can accommodate 1,874 passengers and 883 crew members. This means that less than 4 percent of those aboard experienced illness, based on CDC statistics.
Response and Safety Measures
In response to the outbreak, the ship’s crew has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols. They have also collected stool samples for testing and isolated affected individuals. Royal Caribbean emphasized their commitment to health and safety, stating:
“To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines.”
The cruise line is in contact with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) to ensure standardized cleaning and reporting processes. The CDC is monitoring the situation remotely and reviewing the ship’s response strategies.
Cruise Itinerary and Context
The Serenade of the Seas visited several ports before heading to Miami, including:
- Mexico
- The Panama Canal
- Colombia
This outbreak marks the 19th gastrointestinal incident reported on cruise ships this year, with Norovirus responsible for 14 of those cases. Historical data shows that Norovirus caused 15 out of 18 outbreaks on cruise ships in 2024.
