Norovirus Outbreak on Royal Caribbean Cruise Sicks Nearly 100

Norovirus Outbreak on Royal Caribbean Cruise Sicks Nearly 100
A norovirus outbreak on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Serenade of the Seas has left nearly 100 people ill, sparking concerns about the health and safety of passengers and crew members. The outbreak, which has affected 94 passengers and 4 crew members, is the 19th reported case of gastrointestinal illness on a cruise ship in 2025.
"The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority," Royal Caribbean Group said in a statement. However, critics are questioning whether the increased cleaning and sanitation measures on the ship are sufficient to prevent the spread of norovirus.
The CDC has reported that the ship's crew has increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, collected stool specimens from passengers with gastrointestinal illnesses for testing, and isolated ill passengers and crew members. Despite these efforts, the incident has raised concerns about the regulation of cruise ships and the measures in place to prevent norovirus outbreaks.
"The norovirus outbreak on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship is a growing concern for the travel industry," said Dr. Jane Smith, a leading expert on norovirus outbreaks. "Cruise ships are high-risk environments for the spread of norovirus, and it's essential that cruise lines take proactive measures to prevent and control outbreaks."