Norovirus Outbreak On Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship Leaves Over 100 Passengers Sick

A norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship has sickened at least 115 people—including 102 passengers and 13 crew members—during a voyage that departed from Fort Lauderdale on April 28, 2026, and concluded in Port Canaveral on May 11. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed norovirus as the cause of the illness, which primarily resulted in vomiting and diarrhea among those affected.

The CDC reported the outbreak on May 8, noting that the ship was en route to Nassau in the Bahamas when the majority of cases were identified. By the time the vessel arrived in Port Canaveral, Princess Cruises had implemented enhanced sanitation measures throughout the voyage, including deep cleaning and increased disinfection efforts. The cruise line stated that “a limited number of individuals reported mild gastrointestinal illness” and that all affected areas were thoroughly disinfected.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus responsible for causing acute gastroenteritis, characterized by sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It spreads rapidly in confined spaces such as cruise ships, where close quarters and shared facilities can accelerate transmission. The CDC emphasizes that norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States, particularly in settings like cruise ships, schools, and healthcare facilities.

According to Princess Cruises, the ship underwent comprehensive cleaning and disinfection upon arrival in Port Canaveral, with additional sanitizing procedures in place before departing for its next voyage. The CDC also reported that sick passengers and crew were isolated, and stool samples were collected for testing to confirm the norovirus diagnosis.

Passenger accounts suggest that life aboard the ship remained relatively normal despite the outbreak. Jan van Milligen, a passenger from South Africa, told NBC News that the “normal atmosphere” persisted, with guests continuing to attend shows and meals. However, stricter sanitation measures were visibly in effect, reflecting the cruise line’s response to the health crisis.

Public health officials continue to monitor the situation and advise travelers to take precautionary measures, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and using hand sanitizers, especially in communal areas. The CDC provides detailed guidance on norovirus prevention, including proper food handling and surface disinfection, to mitigate the risk of outbreaks in high-risk settings.

As the Caribbean Princess prepares for its next voyage, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous sanitation and vigilance in preventing the spread of infectious diseases on cruise ships and in other crowded environments.