Norovirus Outbreak: 91 Cases Reported on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas

On February 4, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness aboard the Royal Caribbean International ship, Radiance of the Seas. The ship had set sail from Tampa, Florida on February 1 for a 7-day cruise in the Western Caribbean.

Out of 2,164 passengers, 89 individuals (approximately 4.1%) reported symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting, while 2 out of 910 crew members (0.2%) also experienced similar symptoms. The specific cause of the illness remains undetermined.

In response to the outbreak, Royal Caribbean implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols following their outbreak prevention and response plan. Affected passengers were isolated, and stool specimens were collected for testing to identify the source of the illness. The cruise line also collaborated with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program to ensure that proper sanitation procedures were followed.

This event marks the sixth gastrointestinal outbreak this year meeting the CDC’s public notification threshold of 3%, following 18 outbreaks in 2024, many of which were linked to Norovirus. Despite the frequency of such incidents, the CDC reports that cruise ships represent only about 1% of all reported cases of gastrointestinal illnesses.

The CDC underscores the necessity of promptly reporting symptoms to onboard medical centers. Quick detection allows for immediate action, such as isolating those affected and enhancing sanitation measures, which are critical in stemming the spread of illness.

As the investigation into the outbreak continues, the cruise industry remains focused on enforcing health protocols to protect the safety of both passengers and crew.

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