NEWS: Another Norovirus Outbreak Has Hit This Popular Cruise Line

By Lydia Storks Leave a Comment

If you’re heading on a cruise this year, you might want to take some extra caution when it comes to your health and safety.

©Royal Caribbean

This year, there have been multiple sickness outbreaks on cruises, and now, another is being added to the list. In the latest news, more than 90 passengers and crew members on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship have fallen ill with norovirus.

The Independent reports that the Royal Caribbean ship The Serenade of the Seas has had a norovirus outbreak, with 94 passengers and crew members reporting being ill during the voyage. The ship departed San Diego on September 19th, and the outbreak was reported to the CDC ahead of the ship’s final stop in Miami.

©Royal Caribbean

The main symptoms of the illness are vomiting and diarrhea, with additional possible symptoms of muscle ache, headache, abdominal cramps, or fever. Less than 4% of the total people on board were affected, as the ship had 1,874 passengers and 883 crew. In response to the sickness, the crew members on board have increased cleaning procedures and isolated those who are sick.

©Royal Caribbean | Star of the Seas

“The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority,” Royal Caribbean told USA Today. “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 liner said.

Enchantment of the Seas (Left) and Mariner of the Seas (Right)

This case is the 19th gastrointestinal outbreak on a cruise ship so far this year. Of that group, 14 outbreaks were norovirus. Norovirus also caused 15 outbreaks on cruise ships in 2024. So if you’re sailing soon, make sure to wash your hands often and be cautious — nobody wants to spend their vacation sick!

Stay tuned to DFB for more cruise news.

Click Here to Learn More About the Illness Outbreaks on Cruise Lines

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