A confirmed outbreak of norovirus has been reported aboard the Ruby Princess, a cruise ship from Princess Cruises, with a total of 125 individuals—including 102 guests and 23 crew members—experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. This outbreak occurred during a 20-night voyage to Alaska, which departed from San Francisco on June 12, 2026, and is scheduled to return on July 2.
Due to the number of reported illnesses exceeding 3% of the passengers, the outbreak was reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program. With a total passenger count of 3,032, this means approximately 3.4% of guests are affected, alongside 2% of the crew.
The reported cases are thought to be spread over the course of the voyage, indicating some passengers may have fallen ill at different times throughout the cruise. The Ruby Princess has made several stops in Alaskan ports, including Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Skagway, and Valdez, while also featuring scenic glacier views.
Passengers have noted that heightened sanitation measures were implemented quickly after the outbreak was identified. These measures included deep cleaning public areas, collecting samples for testing, and isolating those displaying symptoms to prevent further contamination.
Enhanced sanitization efforts have involved transitioning buffet services to a model where crew members serve guests directly instead of allowing self-service. Additionally, employees have taken to reminding guests about proper handwashing practices before entering buffet areas.
Many guests have praised the crew for their response to the outbreak, with several comments highlighting how effectively the management handled the situation, emphasizing cleanliness and support during the cruise.
The Ruby Princess is set to return to San Francisco for disembarkation on July 2, with some reports indicating that the upcoming passage may see a delay to ensure thorough cleaning following the outbreak.
This incident marks the third norovirus outbreak on a Princess Cruises ship in 2026. Earlier cases were reported on the Star Princess and the Caribbean Princess. It’s essential to recognize that norovirus can occur in any crowded venue, underscoring the importance of health measures in large gatherings.
For more detailed information on the outbreak, it is advisable to reference the CDC’s report on the Ruby Princess.
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