Two U.S.-based Cruise Ships Hit by Norovirus Outbreak, Affecting Nearly 200 Passengers and Crew Members in April

Nearly 200 passengers aboard two U.S.-based cruise ships experienced symptoms of norovirus in April, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak affected a total of 114 crew members as well.
The Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess ship reported an infection rate of 3.71% among its passengers during their current voyage that began on April 5th, with a total number of infected individuals reaching 94 out of the 2,532 aboard. The crew also saw two members fall ill from norovirus symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, as stated by the CDC’s outbreak report.
The second cruise ship affected was Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas ship during their journey spanning between April 8th through to April 22nd. The infection rate among passengers aboard this vessel reached 3.36%, with a total number of infected individuals amounting to sixty-seven out of a passenger capacity of one thousand ninety-three. Two crew members were also reportedly affected by the virus during that voyage, according to CDC’s outbreak report.
Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International both responded promptly upon discovering an increase in passengers reporting gastrointestinal issues – measures adopted including implementing increased disinfection methods across these cruise lines for both surfaces and self-servicing cutlery options provided to guests, as well as isolating infected individuals.
The CDC recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms of norovirus should report their illness before embarking on a voyage or seek alternative cruising alternatives if already aboard the ship at the time they start feeling sick. Cruise passengers are advised to practice regular handwashing and ensure adequate hydration, in addition to getting sufficient rest during such outbreaks as these can spread quickly due to high volumes of people sharing common spaces while traveling on cruise ships that expose them to new environments which could potentially lead to contamination through contact with infected surfaces or ingestion of foodstuffs.