Illness outbreak Asia South China Sea · 16 November 2024
Norovirus Outbreak Affects Passengers and Crew on Coral Princess: Incident on 16 November 2024
1,822
What happened
On 16 November 2024, Princess Cruises' Coral Princess reported a norovirus outbreak affecting 55 passengers and 15 crew members during a 31-day voyage from Singapore to Los Angeles. The affected individuals represent approximately 3.8% of the 1,822 passengers onboard; no fatalities were reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program was notified and is monitoring the situation remotely. Princess Cruises implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols in accordance with its outbreak prevention and response plan.
Details of the outbreak
Norovirus is a gastrointestinal illness with common symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. The outbreak was identified during the vessel's 31-day itinerary transiting from Singapore to Los Angeles. Princess Cruises activated its established outbreak prevention and response procedures to contain and mitigate further spread of the illness among the remaining passenger and crew population.
Passengers and crew
Passengers
- 1,822 onboard; 55 reported norovirus symptoms.
Crew
- 15 crew members reported norovirus symptoms.
Casualties
Fatalities
- None reported.
Injuries
- 70 individuals (55 passengers and 15 crew) reported gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with norovirus.
Rescued
- No evacuation required; all passengers and crew remained onboard during outbreak management.
Emergency response
The CDC Vessel Sanitation Program was notified and is monitoring the outbreak remotely. Princess Cruises implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols across the vessel in accordance with its established outbreak prevention and response plan. Norovirus outbreaks are not uncommon on cruise ships, and cruise lines maintain procedures to mitigate the spread of gastrointestinal illness among passengers and crew.
Current status
The vessel continued its scheduled 31-day voyage to Los Angeles while outbreak management measures remained in effect. Princess Cruises maintained enhanced sanitation protocols and CDC monitoring throughout the remainder of the itinerary.