Norovirus Outbreak: Over 100 Passengers, Crew Sick on Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship

Recently, headlines were dominated by reports of a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. Now, another infectious disease outbreak has struck at sea, with more than 100 passengers and crew members on the Caribbean Princess cruise ship falling ill due to norovirus.

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 102 passengers and 13 crew members developed symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach pain during the April 28-May 11 voyage. The incident once again highlights how cruise ships can quickly become hotspots for contagious illnesses because of crowded indoor settings and shared facilities.

The Caribbean Princess was carrying 3,116 passengers and 1,131 crew members when the outbreak occurred. In response, Princess Cruises introduced enhanced sanitation and isolation measures, while the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program launched an outbreak investigation, according to Global News.

Officials confirmed the ship will undergo extensive cleaning before its next voyage. Earlier this year, similar norovirus outbreaks were also reported on the Star Princess, where 141 passengers and 52 crew members fell sick, and on Queen Mary 2, where around 240 people were affected during an international cruise journey. Health experts say cruise ships remain especially vulnerable to gastrointestinal outbreaks due to shared dining, enclosed spaces, and frequent social interaction.