NEWS: Royal Caribbean Hit With Another Norovirus Outbreak

Going on a cruise can be a lot of fun, but it’s certainly not fun if you wind up getting sick.

Because of the nature of cruise ships and how you’re living in close quarters with others, some diseases can spread fast. Norovirus, in particular, is one illness that often strikes cruise ships, although it seems that Royal Caribbean gets hit with the virus often. Well, Royal Caribbean was just hit with another norovirus outbreak.

According to The Independent, more than 90 passengers and crew aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas fell ill with norovirus, a gastrointestinal illness. The cruise departed San Diego on September 19th and visited Mexico, the Panama Canal, and Columbia. It ended its trip in Miami on October 2nd.

This marks the 19th gastrointestinal outbreak on a cruise ship so far in 2025, with 14 caused by norovirus. During the voyage, 94 passengers and four crew members reported themselves as being ill during the cruise. The CDC noted the main symptoms reported were diarrhea and vomiting.

Norovirus is very contagious, but there are steps passengers can take to stop its spread. The most important thing is to wash your hands with soap and water often. Note that hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus.

The crew on the affected ship increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures, as well as tested and isolated those who were sick. The cruise ship has also consulted with the Vessel Sanitation Program run by the CDC.

We’ll keep an eye out for more news, so check back with AllEars again soon for more.

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Have you ever been sick on a cruise ship? Let us know in the comments!