A norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess has sickened more than 100 passengers and crew during a 13‑night Caribbean voyage, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency confirmed that 102 of the ship’s 3,116 passengers and 13 of its 1,131 crew members reported gastrointestinal illness, primarily vomiting and diarrhea, during the April 28–May 11 sailing.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC on May 7, triggering an investigation under the agency’s Vessel Sanitation Program. The ship continued its scheduled itinerary, including calls in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, St. Maarten, San Juan, Amber Cove, and Nassau, and is scheduled to dock in Port Canaveral on May 11 for a full disinfection.
Cruise Line Response
Princess Cruises said a “limited number of individuals” reported mild gastrointestinal illness and that the crew “quickly disinfected every area of the ship” while adding extra sanitizing measures throughout the voyage. The company said the vessel will undergo comprehensive cleaning and disinfection before departing on its next itinerary.
According to the CDC, the ship implemented its outbreak‑prevention plan, including:
- Increased cleaning and disinfection of high‑touch areas
- Isolation of ill passengers and crew
- Collection of stool samples for laboratory testing
- Consultation with CDC sanitation officials throughout the response
Passenger Experience
Despite the outbreak, some passengers reported that daily life on board remained relatively normal. One traveler told reporters that shows, meals, and activities continued, though with heightened hygiene precautions and the removal of self‑service options at buffets.
Broader Context
This is the fourth gastrointestinal outbreak reported on a cruise ship in 2026 and the second involving a Princess Cruises vessel this year, following a March norovirus incident on the Star Princess.
Norovirus is the most common cause of cruise‑ship gastrointestinal outbreaks, spreading easily in enclosed environments through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or person‑to‑person contact. Symptoms typically begin 12–48 hours after exposure and last one to three days.
The CDC notes that cruise ships account for only about 1% of all norovirus outbreaks, but cases on vessels are more likely to be detected and reported due to close‑contact settings and mandatory illness reporting requirements.
What Happens Next
Upon arrival in Port Canaveral, both the ship and its terminal will undergo thorough disinfection before new passengers board for the next scheduled sailing. No itinerary changes have been announced.
