Thu Oct 02 17:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Serenade of the Seas, experienced a norovirus outbreak during a 13-day voyage from San Diego to Miami. 94 passengers and 4 crew members fell ill. The cruise line took measures to contain the outbreak. This is the 19th norovirus outbreak on cruise ships this year. Norovirus is highly contagious, causing vomiting and diarrhea, but most people recover within a few days.
**News Article:**
**Norovirus Outbreak Sickens Nearly 100 on Royal Caribbean Cruise**
MIAMI – A norovirus outbreak swept through the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Serenade of the Seas during a 13-day voyage from San Diego to Miami, sickening 94 passengers and 4 crew members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The first reports of illness emerged on September 28, nine days into the cruise, which departed San Diego on September 19. The affected individuals, representing approximately 5% of the 1,874 people aboard, experienced symptoms consistent with norovirus, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Royal Caribbean stated, “The health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit are our top priority.” They emphasized that cleaning procedures on board exceed public health guidelines. The ship underwent thorough sanitization upon docking in Miami.
In response to the outbreak, the Serenade of the Seas crew isolated the ill, intensified cleaning efforts, and contacted the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. The CDC clarified that the reported number reflects the total cases over the duration of the voyage, not the number of people sick at any single time.
This outbreak is the 19th reported on cruise ships this year. In 2024 there were 18 outbreaks and in 2023 there were 14. The CDC website states that norovirus is highly contagious and can be prevented by washing hands frequently.
First Piper 