Why are Norovirus Outbreaks rising on cruise ships? Inside Royal Caribbean’s latest case
The Royal Caribbean Cruises liner Serenade of the Seas in 2019. Image Credit: Jean-Francois Monier/AFP via Getty Images File
A dream voyage turned unsettling for passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, after more than 90 passengers and crew fell ill with Norovirus. The outbreak, reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlights growing concerns about gastrointestinal illnesses spreading on cruise ships in 2025.
With the Serenade of the Seas nearing its final stop in Miami, questions are mounting: Why are cruise outbreaks climbing, and what’s being done to keep passengers safe?
How Many Fell Ill on the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas?
According to the CDC, 94 passengers and 4 crew members reported illness during the voyage, which began in San Diego on September 19. Passengers experienced symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever.
The ship was carrying 1,874 passengers and 883 crew, meaning less than 4% were affected, but enough to trigger a formal outbreak investigation.
Why Are 2025 Cruise Ship Outbreaks Surpassing 2024?
This Royal Caribbean case marks the 19th gastrointestinal outbreak reported on cruises in 2025, already surpassing the 18 total outbreaks recorded in 2024. Of these, 14 were linked to Norovirus, the most common cause of cruise-related illness.
Health officials note that outbreaks often reflect land-based Norovirus patterns, with a dominant strain currently spreading widely in the U.S. and abroad.
How Did Royal Caribbean Respond to the Outbreak?
Royal Caribbean stated that the “health and safety of our guests and crew are our top priority” and that they implemented enhanced sanitation procedures onboard.
Measures included:
- Isolating sick passengers and crew
- Collecting stool samples for CDC testing
- Increasing cleaning and disinfecting protocols
- Consulting with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program for guidance
The CDC confirmed it is remotely monitoring the ship’s outbreak response.
Are Cruise Ship Outbreaks Becoming More Common?
According to the CDC, while cruise ship outbreaks get heavy media attention, they make up just 1% of all reported Norovirus cases. Outbreaks are more common in places like nursing homes, schools, and daycare centers, where people are in close contact.
Still, cruises are vulnerable due to the high passenger density and communal dining and recreation, making containment essential.
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How Can Passengers Protect Themselves From Norovirus?
Health experts advise cruise travelers to take extra hygiene precautions:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water (hand sanitizer alone is not effective)
- Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms
- Report illness immediately to medical staff
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Stay in cabins if symptoms develop
Dr. Sarah Michaels of Tulane University stressed that handwashing before eating and after bathroom use is the single most effective defense.
What’s Next for the Serenade of the Seas?
The ship, which traveled from San Diego through Mexico, the Panama Canal, Costa Rica, and Colombia, is scheduled to end its voyage in Miami this Thursday.
The CDC will continue monitoring the situation and testing samples to confirm the strain of Norovirus involved.
FAQ
Q: How many people fell ill on the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas?
A: The CDC reported 94 passengers and 4 crew members became ill with Norovirus symptoms during the September 2025 voyage.
Q: What is Norovirus and what are its symptoms?
A: Norovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, muscle aches, and headaches.
Q: Why are cruise ship Norovirus outbreaks rising in 2025?
A: The CDC attributes the rise to a dominant new Norovirus strain spreading globally, with cruise outbreaks reflecting land-based trends.
Q: How many cruise ship outbreaks have been reported in 2025?
A: So far, 19 gastrointestinal outbreaks have been recorded this year, surpassing the 18 outbreaks in 2024. Fourteen of these were linked to Norovirus.
Q: What steps did Royal Caribbean take after the outbreak?
A: The cruise line increased cleaning and disinfection, isolated sick passengers, collected samples for CDC testing, and worked with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
Q: How can passengers protect themselves from Norovirus on cruises?
A: Passengers should wash hands frequently with soap and water, avoid hand sanitizer reliance, disinfect surfaces, self-isolate if sick, and report symptoms to onboard medical staff.
Q: Are cruise ships the main source of Norovirus outbreaks?
A: No. Cruises account for only 1% of all reported Norovirus outbreaks. Most occur in communities such as schools, daycares, and nursing homes.
Q: Is it safe to take a cruise after Norovirus outbreaks?
A: Experts say yes, but emphasize practicing good hygiene and reporting any symptoms early. Royal Caribbean and other lines have strict health protocols in place.
Q: Where did the Serenade of the Seas travel before the outbreak?
A: The ship departed San Diego and visited Mexico, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, and Colombia, before heading toward Miami.