Norovirus Outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas – September 2025

Introduction
In late September 2025, nearly 100 individuals fell ill with a gastrointestinal illness aboard Serenade of the Seas while the ship sailed between San Diego and Miami. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) later confirmed that the outbreak was caused by norovirus, one of the most common culprits behind cruise ship gastrointestinal incidents.

Details of the Outbreak

Case Numbers:

• Total of 98 people reported symptoms during the voyage.
• 94 were passengers, representing roughly 5% of all travelers on board.
• 4 were crew members, accounting for less than 1% of the crew.

Voyage and Itinerary:

• The 13-night Panama Canal cruise departed San Diego on September 19, 2025.
• The voyage is scheduled to end in Miami on October 2, 2025.

Response Measures:

• Ill passengers and crew were isolated in their cabins to minimize spread.
• The ship implemented enhanced sanitation, deep cleaning, and disinfecting protocols across public areas.
• Stool samples were collected and sent for laboratory analysis to confirm the norovirus link.
• Royal Caribbean medical staff worked in consultation with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which oversaw the ship’s reporting and response measures remotely.

Broader Context:

• This marks the 19th gastrointestinal outbreak reported under VSP oversight in 2025.
• Of these, 14 have been officially traced to norovirus.
• Experts emphasize that while such outbreaks are disruptive, they typically resolve within 1–3 days and are best prevented through rigorous handwashing, as alcohol-based sanitizers are less effective against norovirus.