Norovirus sickens 115 on Caribbean Princess cruise ship

115 people got sick on the Caribbean Princess cruise. This is the fourth outbreak on a cruise ship this year.
By Newsroom | Health, Travel |

115 individuals aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship have been afflicted with norovirus, according to the latest reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The current outbreak involves 102 passengers and 13 crew members falling sick during the vessel's voyage. This marks the fourth reported gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship this year. The voyage, which departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 28, is slated to conclude on May 11.

The cruise line has reportedly implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, isolated those affected, and conferred with health officials. Princess Cruises stated they "quickly disinfected every area of the ship and added extra sanitizing throughout the voyage" following the report of the outbreak on May 7. The total number of sick individuals could still rise as the ship remains at sea.

Norovirus Outbreak Sickens 115 on Cruise Ship - 1

Details Emerge on Outbreak Scale and Response

The Caribbean Princess, carrying a total of 3,116 passengers and 1,131 crew members, reported the outbreak to the CDC on Thursday. The CDC tracks such incidents through its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). A ship falls under VSP jurisdiction and an outbreak is publicly posted if it includes both U.S. and foreign ports and affects 3% or more of passengers or crew reporting gastrointestinal symptoms.

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Precedent and Context for Cruise Ship Illness

This norovirus incident is not an isolated event within the cruise industry. In March of this year, another Princess Cruises ship, the Star Princess, experienced a norovirus outbreak that sickened over 150 passengers and crew. That outbreak involved 104 guests and 49 crew members during an eight-day Caribbean voyage. Health officials emphasize that reporting illnesses promptly aids in the rapid detection of such outbreaks.

The current Caribbean Princess voyage included stops in destinations such as Aruba, Bonaire, and Puerto Rico before its scheduled return to Port Canaveral, Florida. The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program is the primary body for monitoring and reporting infectious disease outbreaks on cruise ships operating within its purview.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many people got sick on the Caribbean Princess cruise ship?
A total of 115 people, including 102 passengers and 13 crew members, have fallen ill with norovirus. This is the fourth reported gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship this year.
Q: When did the Caribbean Princess cruise ship report the norovirus outbreak?
The cruise line reported the outbreak to the CDC on Thursday, May 1, 2026. The ship departed Fort Lauderdale on April 28 and is set to return on May 11.
Q: What is Princess Cruises doing about the norovirus outbreak?
Princess Cruises has increased cleaning and sanitizing efforts throughout the ship and has isolated those who are sick. They are working with health officials to manage the situation.
Q: What is the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program?
The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program tracks gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships. An outbreak is publicly posted if it affects 3% or more of passengers or crew and involves U.S. and foreign ports.