Over 70 passengers and crew aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas have fallen ill with norovirus as the ship makes its way to Miami.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 71 passengers and one crew member are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting, during the 13-night voyage.
The cruise departed San Diego on September 19 and is scheduled to arrive in Miami on Thursday.
A widespread norovirus outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas has sickened over 70 passengers and crew.
The virus was first reported Sunday and has since affected nearly 4% of the ship’s 1,874 passengers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all infected individuals have been isolated and stool samples collected.
“Reporting gastrointestinal illness (GI) is important. When passengers and crew notify the medical center onboard about their symptoms, it helps detect outbreaks quickly and allows measures to be taken to limit the spread,” the CDC said.
Norovirus symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, headaches, abdominal cramps, fever, or three or more loose stools within 24 hours, according to the CDC.
In response to the outbreak, Royal Caribbean has stepped up cleaning and disinfection procedures, the CDC said.
“The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority. To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines,” Royal Caribbean told USA Today.
So far in 2025, 19 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships have been reported to the CDC, 14 of which were caused by norovirus.
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