GI Illness / Norovirus Outbreak Reported on Celebrity Eclipse – 20–28 December 2025

A gastrointestinal illness outbreak was reported aboard the cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse during an 8-day round-trip Caribbean voyage operated by Celebrity Cruises between 20 and 28 December 2025. Ninety-five passengers (approximately 3.1% of the 3,042 onboard) and 9 crew members reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. The incident was formally reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the final day of the voyage.

At the time of reporting, the specific causative agent had not been confirmed; however, norovirus is the most common cause of cruise-related gastrointestinal outbreaks. Celebrity Cruises implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, isolated affected individuals, and coordinated closely with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program throughout the voyage.

Case numbers

• 95 passengers affected (≈3.1% of 3,042 onboard)
• 9 crew members affected

Symptoms reported

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps

Passengers

• 3,042 onboard; 95 reported gastrointestinal symptoms.

Crew

• 9 crew members reported gastrointestinal symptoms.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported. Affected individuals experienced gastrointestinal symptoms managed with supportive care.

Rescued

• All passengers and crew remained onboard. Affected individuals were isolated to limit further transmission.

Celebrity Cruises implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols across the vessel in response to the outbreak. Affected passengers and crew were isolated to prevent further transmission. Stool samples were collected from symptomatic individuals for laboratory analysis to identify the causative agent. The ship coordinated closely with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) on reporting requirements and sanitation procedures throughout the voyage.

The outbreak was formally reported to the CDC on 28 December 2025, the final day of the voyage. The specific causative agent had not been confirmed at the time of reporting. Norovirus, which typically resolves within 1–3 days with supportive care, is the most common cause of cruise-related gastrointestinal outbreaks and was responsible for the majority of such cases in 2025.

• CDC Vessel Sanitation Program: For outbreak reporting and sanitation guidance
• Celebrity Cruises Guest Services: For passenger assistance and rebooking inquiries