Things aren’t going so well on a Florida-bound cruise. A gastrointestinal illness outbreak has struck Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, sickening close to 100 individuals during its 13-night voyage from San Diego to Miami. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 98 passengers and one crew member have reported symptoms consistent with norovirus, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus often linked to outbreaks on cruise ships.
The cruise departed San Diego on September 19. The first signs of illness were reported around September 28, and by the time of the CDC notice, the number of reported cases amounted to roughly 3.9% of the 1,874 passengers aboard, demonstrating how quickly norovirus can spread.
In total, 94 passengers and 4 crew members claimed illness, though these higher figures arise from passenger reports to media sources. Norovirus can rapidly escalate in such settings. Officials remain cautious, noting that confirmed cases to CDC standards remain lower. Statistics aside, however, this was not the vacation a number of passengers signed up for.
During the voyage the ship called at ports in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia. Norovirus symptoms did not deter the continuation of the planned itinerary.
In response to the outbreak, Serenade of the Seas staff intensified its cleaning and disinfection protocols, isolated symptomatic passengers and crew, and collected stool specimens for laboratory testing. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program is remotely monitoring the situation and reviewing how it’s being handled.
Royal Caribbean released a statement emphasizing the health and safety of guests, crew, and the communities visited as its highest priority. It said its onboard sanitization practices “far exceed public health guidelines.”
Just stay away from the Poop Deck.
As of October 2, Serenade of the Seas is continuing its voyage and is currently headed toward Miami, where it is scheduled to complete its journey. Cruise tracking data confirms the ship is on course and nearing the end of its 13-night itinerary.
