The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the 19th outbreak of norovirus on a cruise ship this year, highlighting the persistent challenge of managing infectious diseases on large vessels. The Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas cruise ship was hit with a norovirus outbreak that has sickened nearly 100 people, marking a significant health incident for the cruise line and its passengers. The ship traveled from San Diego to Miami, and the cruise alerted the CDC about the outbreak on Sept. 28, according to the health agency’s published report.
Over 90 passengers and four crew members reported becoming ill during the cruise ship’s voyage, with the predominant symptoms being diarrhea and vomiting. This outbreak has raised concerns about the health and safety protocols in place on cruise ships, particularly given the close quarters and shared facilities that can facilitate the spread of the virus. A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson emphasized that the health and safety of their guests, crew, and the communities they visit are their top priority. They stated that they implement rigorous cleaning procedures, surpassing public health guidelines, to maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard.
The CDC notes that norovirus, often called the ‘stomach flu,’ is not related to the influenza virus and causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Medical experts warn of the virus’s ease of transmission, especially in close living environments like cruise ships, and suggest thorough handwashing with soap and water as an effective preventive measure. Scott Weisenberg, M.D., medical director of the NYU Langone Infectious Disease Associates and the NYU Travel Medicine Program, highlighted the challenges of controlling norovirus outbreaks, citing its ability to survive on surfaces for long periods and spread through both direct contact and airborne transmission.
Some passengers on the ship shared their experiences, revealing the impact of the outbreak on their health and the challenges of reporting it due to quarantine protocols. Maggie, a passenger, described her symptoms as a sudden stomach issue that lasted 36 to 48 hours, leading her to stay in bed for a day and be quarantined. Passenger Artur Madej, who fell ill four days before arriving in Miami, reported persistent watery stools for several days. He noted that many of his friends were also affected but did not report their illnesses, fearing quarantine measures. These personal accounts underscore the real-world impact of norovirus outbreaks, not only on individuals but also on the operational and reputational aspects of the cruise line.