A Royal Caribbean cruise turned into a nightmare for over 90 passengers due to an outbreak of highly contagious norovirus. The incident occurred on the Royal Caribbean International vessel, Serenade of the Seas, with 94 out of 1,874 passengers and four out of 883 crew members reporting illness symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, muscle ache, headache, abdominal cramps, or fever.
The ship, which set sail from San Diego on September 19, has visited Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia, with its final destination set for Miami on Thursday. In response to the outbreak, Royal Caribbean has enhanced cleaning and disinfection measures as part of their outbreak prevention plan. Affected individuals have provided stool samples for testing, and those displaying symptoms have been isolated while the ship has coordinated with the Vessel Sanitation Program for sanitation procedures.
Regarding the ongoing situation, Royal Caribbean Group emphasized its commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of guests, crew, and communities visited. The company highlighted its stringent cleaning protocols exceeding public health standards. This incident adds to the 19 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships this year, 14 of which were attributed to norovirus, as reported by the CDC.
While the number of recent cruise ship outbreaks appears higher compared to pre-pandemic years, the CDC cautioned against determining it as a new trend. The agency noted a prevalent strain associated with norovirus outbreaks on land and highlighted the alignment of ship outbreaks with those on land, emphasizing the need for vigilance during this norovirus season.
Norovirus outbreaks are not new to Royal Caribbean, with past incidents on different vessels. The company described the amenities on Serenade of the Seas, showcasing its panoramic views, recreational activities like mini-golf, and diverse dining options. Despite the recent health concerns, the cruise ship continues to offer a range of onboard activities for passengers to enjoy their sea days to the fullest.