Norovirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: Over 150 Passengers Report Illness
Over 150 passengers and crew members fell ill due to a norovirus outbreak on the Star Princess cruise ship, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ship departed from Fort Lauderdale on March 7, heading to destinations such as Honduras, Belize City, and Riviera Maya, and is scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday.
According to the CDC’s announcement, 104 out of 4,307 passengers (2.4%) and 49 out of 1,561 crew members (3.1%) reported sickness characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. This incident marks the fourth norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship since October 2025.
In response to the outbreak, the cruise line implemented several preventive measures, including:
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols.
- Collection of stool samples from infected individuals for testing.
- Isolation of sick passengers and crew.
- Consultation with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) regarding sanitation and reporting procedures.
A statement from the cruise line emphasized their rapid response in disinfecting the ship and ensuring that anyone feeling unwell was comfortably separated from others. The VSP is also conducting an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to help manage the situation.
Norovirus is highly contagious and is a leading cause of gastroenteritis, commonly resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The virus typically peaks during colder months and is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the United States, with approximately 685 million cases worldwide each year, many affecting children.
For more information on the outbreak, you can refer to the CDC’s official release and learn about norovirus from the Cleveland Clinic.
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At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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