Health Advisory Issued by Royal Caribbean After Legionnaires’ Disease Case on Symphony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International has recently issued a health advisory for guests scheduled to embark on the Symphony of the Seas cruise on April 30, 2025. This advisory comes after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified a case of Legionnaires’ disease linked to a guest from a prior voyage.

In a letter sent to those booked for the upcoming 9-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, the cruise line reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and health. According to Royal Caribbean, the illness is not contagious between individuals; instead, it is contracted by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria, which can be found in natural water bodies, hot tubs, fountains, and municipal supplies. The exact source of the bacteria for the recent case remains unspecified, with no clarification on whether it was contracted onboard or at a port.

In light of this situation, Royal Caribbean has enhanced sanitation measures aboard the ship, intensifying cleaning and disinfection in line with CDC guidelines. Legionnaires’ disease can lead to severe pneumonia, with common symptoms including persistent cough, fever, muscle aches, headaches, and shortness of breath. Still, it is noted that most healthy individuals exposed to the bacteria do not develop serious illness, though those experiencing the symptoms should seek medical advice.

This incident marks the second health advisory related to Legionnaires’ disease concerning the Symphony of the Seas. A similar notification was made in January 2025 after two passengers from a late 2024 sailing were later diagnosed with the illness. In both instances, Royal Caribbean emphasized that there was no evidence indicating that the infections originated on the cruise ship.

For more details on incidents related to Symphony of the Seas, visit CruiseMinus.

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