Norovirus Outbreak Sickens Nearly 100 on Royal Caribbean Cruise Docked in Miami

Nearly 100 passengers aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship have fallen ill with norovirus, forcing the vessel to dock in Miami after a 13-day journey. The outbreak was confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after the ship, Serenade of the Seas, returned to PortMiami on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

The voyage began on September 19 from San Diego and included stops in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia before arriving in Florida. Officials say the majority of reported cases came toward the end of the trip.

CDC Confirms Norovirus Outbreak on Serenade of the Seas

The CDC reported that 94 out of 1,874 passengers and four of the 883 crew members on board experienced symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. The most common signs were diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Passengers who fell sick said the virus spread quickly, affecting travelers of different ages. One passenger, Bob Pettit, 87, told NBC 6 that this was the first time he had been so severely ill despite taking 25 cruises in the past. “It really hits you hard, violently,” he said.

Royal Caribbean stated that it immediately implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures once reports of illness surfaced. Crew members isolated sick passengers and increased sanitization of shared spaces, including dining areas and restrooms. Health officials boarded the ship in Miami to review sanitation measures and collect samples for further testing.

The CDC says there have been 19 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships so far in 2025, 14 of which were linked to norovirus. The agency emphasized that the virus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in closed environments like cruise ships. Passengers are urged to wash hands frequently, avoid sharing food and utensils, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.

Impact on Travelers and Cruise Industry Response

The outbreak has raised concerns among frequent cruise travelers, as ships are known for close-contact environments where viruses spread quickly. While norovirus is not life-threatening for most people, severe dehydration can be dangerous for the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

Royal Caribbean said it remains committed to passenger safety and is working with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program to ensure the ship is safe for future voyages. Cruise industry experts note that outbreaks like this can impact consumer confidence, but strong cleaning protocols and transparency usually help restore trust.

The CDC will continue monitoring the situation as the ship undergoes deep cleaning before its next scheduled departure. Passengers affected by the norovirus outbreak are advised to stay hydrated and consult healthcare providers if symptoms persist.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Symptoms usually appear 12–48 hours after exposure.

Q2: How does norovirus spread on cruise ships?

It spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and direct contact with infected people. Closed spaces make it easier to spread quickly.

Q3: How many cruise ship outbreaks have been reported in 2025?

The CDC has recorded 19 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships this year, 14 of which were linked to norovirus.

Q4: What should passengers do if they feel sick on a cruise?

They should inform ship medical staff, stay isolated to prevent spreading illness, and stay hydrated. Hand washing is crucial.

Q5: Is norovirus dangerous?

Most people recover in 1–3 days, but severe dehydration can be dangerous for older adults and those with health conditions.

References

NBC 6 South Florida. (2025). Nearly 100 passengers sickened by norovirus on Royal Caribbean cruise, CDC confirms. October 2, 2025.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025). Vessel Sanitation Program outbreak updates. October 2, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). Royal Caribbean cruise returns to Miami after passengers fall ill with norovirus. October 2, 2025.