The Serenade of the Seas, which departed from San Diego on September 19, docked in Miami on Thursday after the outbreak was reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on September 28.
According to the CDC, 94 of the ship’s 1,874 passengers and four of its 883 crew members reported gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. The cause is suspected to be norovirus — a highly contagious virus commonly linked to outbreaks in closed settings like cruise ships, schools and care facilities.
In response, Royal Caribbean has implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols on board. The ship’s medical team has begun collecting stool samples for laboratory testing, while infected passengers and crew have been isolated in accordance with public health protocols.
The CDC is monitoring the situation and working with Royal Caribbean to mitigate the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis worldwide and can spread rapidly in confined spaces. While symptoms are typically short-lived, the virus is known for being extremely contagious and difficult to contain once introduced on board.
The Serenade of the Seas is a Radiance-class ship currently operating a repositioning cruise, with future sailings planned in the Caribbean. There has been no announcement yet regarding any impact on upcoming itineraries.
