Norovirus Outbreak on Cruise Sickens More Than 70 Passengers

Norovirus outbreak strikes Royal Caribbean cruise ship

CDC activates health protocols

Passengers sick en route to Miami

According to the EFE agency, more than 70 passengers aboard Serenade of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean ship, became ill during a voyage through the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed it was a suspected norovirus outbreak.

The cruise departed San Diego, California, on September 19 and is scheduled to arrive in Miami, Florida.

Health authorities activated surveillance protocols as soon as they received the incident report.

Symptoms and Immediate Actions Onboard

More than 70 passengers on a U.S. cruise fall ill due to a norovirus outbreak https://t.co/oGTg5Ojto8

— AlbertoRodNews (@AlbertoRodNews) September 30, 2025

Affected passengers reported diarrhea, vomiting, and severe stomach discomfort — common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis.

A total of 71 travelers out of the 1,874 onboard developed symptoms, along with one crew member.

The CDC reported the outbreak on Sunday and immediately began containment measures.

Among the first actions were isolating sick passengers and providing medical care onboard.

CDC Confirms Norovirus Outbreak on Royal Caribbean Cruise

Royal Caribbean Norovirus Outbreak Sickens More Than 70 Passengers – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

The CDC said that cleaning and disinfection efforts were intensified in all common areas.

Fecal samples from affected passengers were also collected to confirm the virus’s presence.

Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily in enclosed spaces like cruise ships.

Transmission occurs through direct contact, contaminated food or water, and dirty surfaces.

History of Outbreaks on Cruise Ships

Photo: EFE

So far in 2025, there have been 19 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruises operating from U.S. ports.

Of those cases, 14 were linked to norovirus, confirming its high frequency in maritime environments.

The most recent occurred in July on Navigator of the Seas, also a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

On that occasion, 134 passengers and 7 crew members fell ill with similar symptoms.

Health Measures in Serenade of the Seas En Route to Miami

Royal Caribbean stated it is cooperating with authorities and reinforcing hygiene protocols.

More handwashing stations and sanitizer dispensers have been installed throughout the ship.

The CDC continues monitoring the situation as Serenade of the Seas sails toward Miami.

Laboratory results are expected in the coming days to confirm the exact source of the outbreak.