Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International Grapple with Separate Norovirus Outbreaks

Cruise ships operated by Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International are currently dealing with separate outbreaks of the highly contagious Norovirus, according to investigations carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Radiance of the Seas, a vessel belonging to Royal Caribbean International, reported 67 cases of illness among its approximately 1,993 passengers during an April voyage from Tampa to Los Angeles. Two crew members also fell ill with symptoms that included diarrhoea and vomiting. Meanwhile, around 94 out of the 2,532 passengers on board Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess have reported similar issues since its departure from Los Angeles for a South Pacific voyage beginning April 5th. A further 20 crew members were also affected by symptoms related to Norovirus infection. Neither cruise line responded immediately when contacted by Fox Business regarding the incidents, but the CDC has stated that anyone can contract norovirus and become ill with its characteristic vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms; it is not associated with influenza (the ‘flu’). The health risk posed by Norovirus infection involves dehydration: patients are encouraged to consume large volumes of fluid while convalescing. As part of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, cruise lines must report and document instances of illness on board their vessels in order to facilitate coordinated action in any crisis scenario that might emerge from an epidemiological emergency on seaward floating properties.