Radiance of the Seas Norovirus Outbreak 2025: CDC Reports 91 Gastrointestinal Illness Cases

On 4 February 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas during a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise. A total of 91 cases—89 passengers and 2 crew members—reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, marking the sixth cruise ship outbreak to meet the CDC's public reporting threshold in 2025.

While the causative agent has not been confirmed, the outbreak pattern aligns with norovirus, which accounted for 18 cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks in 2024. Royal Caribbean activated its outbreak response plan and collaborated with the CDC to implement enhanced sanitation measures. Stool samples were collected for laboratory analysis, with results pending.

The Radiance of the Seas departed Tampa, Florida, on 1 February 2025, for a scheduled seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary. By 4 February, illness reports reached 89 passengers (4.1% of 2,164 onboard) and 2 crew members (0.2% of 910 onboard), all presenting with vomiting and diarrhea. The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program mandates public notification when gastrointestinal illness exceeds 3% of passengers or crew; this outbreak crossed that threshold. The ship's itinerary proceeded without disruption during the response.

Passengers

• 2,164 onboard; 89 reported gastrointestinal illness symptoms (4.1%).

Crew

• 910 onboard; 2 reported gastrointestinal illness symptoms (0.2%).

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 91 cases of gastrointestinal illness (vomiting and diarrhea) reported among passengers and crew.

Rescued

• Not applicable; no evacuation or rescue operation conducted.

Royal Caribbean activated its outbreak response plan immediately upon notification of illness cases. Enhanced sanitation measures were implemented, 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. Passengers and crew were advised on hygiene practices to mitigate further spread. The CDC noted that cruise ships represent only 1% of total reported gastrointestinal illness cases nationwide and emphasized the importance of early symptom reporting to onboard medical teams.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program is leading the investigation. Stool samples were collected from affected passengers and crew for laboratory analysis to identify the causative pathogen; results remain pending. The outbreak aligns with patterns consistent with norovirus, which has been the predominant cause of cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks in recent years.

The vessel continued its scheduled itinerary. This marks the sixth cruise ship outbreak to meet the CDC's public reporting threshold in 2025, reflecting ongoing challenges in outbreak management across the cruise industry.