Over 90 Sickened by Norovirus on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

More than 90 passengers and crew aboard the Royal Caribbean International ship, Serenade of the Seas, have contracted Norovirus as the vessel nears its final destination in Miami. The outbreak, which has affected a total of 94 passengers and four crew members, was officially reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on September 24, 2023. The primary symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting, with additional signs such as muscle aches, headaches, abdominal cramps, and fever.

The ship, which departed from San Diego on September 19, carries a total of 1,874 passengers and 883 crew members. This means that less than 4 percent of those on board have reported illness, according to CDC statistics. In response to the outbreak, the crew has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, collected stool samples for laboratory testing, and isolated affected individuals to prevent further spread of the virus.

Royal Caribbean emphasized its commitment to health and safety, stating, “The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority.” The cruise line has stated that it employs rigorous cleaning procedures that exceed public health guidelines. This includes consulting with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program regarding cleaning practices and the monitoring of reported illnesses.

The CDC is actively overseeing the situation, remotely monitoring the ship’s outbreak response and sanitation efforts. Following its departure from San Diego, the Serenade of the Seas made stops in Mexico, transited the Panama Canal, and visited Colombia before heading to Miami, where it is expected to conclude its journey on September 28, 2023.

This incident marks the 19th gastrointestinal outbreak reported on cruise ships in 2023, with Norovirus accounting for 14 of these cases. The virus has been responsible for 15 out of 18 outbreaks recorded on cruises this year. As cruise lines continue to navigate health challenges, the emphasis on sanitation and illness monitoring remains critical to ensuring passenger safety.