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Introduction
On February 4, 2025, the CDC confirmed a gastrointestinal (GI) illness outbreak aboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, marking the sixth cruise ship outbreak to meet the agency’s public reporting threshold in 2025. With 91 cases reported among passengers and crew, the Radiance of the Seas norovirus outbreak has reignited discussions about health protocols and outbreak management in the cruise industry.
Details of the Incident
The Radiance of the Seas departed Tampa, Florida, on February 1, 2025, for a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary. By February 4, 89 passengers (4.1% of 2,164) and two crew members (0.2% of 910) reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. While the CDC has not confirmed the causative agent, the outbreak aligns with patterns of norovirus, which accounted for 18 cruise ship GI outbreaks in 2024.
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program requires public notification when illnesses exceed 3% of passengers or crew. This incident marks the sixth such outbreak in 2025. Stool samples were collected for laboratory analysis to identify the pathogen, though results remain pending.
Response and Impact
Royal Caribbean activated its outbreak response plan, implementing enhanced sanitation measures, including frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces and isolation of symptomatic individuals. The cruise line collaborated with the CDC to ensure compliance with health protocols, though the ship’s itinerary proceeded without disruption.
The CDC reiterated that cruise ships represent only 1% of total reported GI illness cases nationwide, emphasizing the importance of early symptom reporting to onboard medical teams. Passengers and crew were advised on hygiene practices to mitigate further spread.