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Royal Caribbean Ship Docks in Miami After Norovirus Sickens Nearly 100

The CDC counts the Serenade of the Seas case as the year’s 19th cruise gastrointestinal outbreak under its Vessel Sanitation Program.

Overview

  • CDC data show 94 of 1,874 passengers and 4 of 883 crew reported illness with vomiting and diarrhea during the 13-day San Diego–to–Miami voyage.
  • Royal Caribbean isolated sick individuals, collected stool specimens, intensified disinfection, and shifted buffet service to staff during the outbreak response.
  • The event was reported to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program on Sept. 28; the ship arrived at PortMiami Oct. 2–3 and passengers disembarked.
  • Health officials emphasize norovirus spreads easily in enclosed settings and recommend thorough handwashing with soap and water over alcohol-based sanitizers.
  • The CDC is remotely monitoring the case and reviewing procedures as the vessel undergoes full sanitation ahead of its next sailing; 14 of this year’s 19 cruise GI outbreaks have been linked to norovirus.