The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has verified a norovirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess, a cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, which departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on April 28.
Currently, 115 individuals—comprising 102 passengers and 13 crew members—have reported symptoms associated with gastrointestinal illness during the voyage.
This outbreak was reported to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program on Thursday, May 7, according to NBC Miami’s official report.
The affected passengers make up 3.3% of the 3,116 individuals on board, while the 13 affected crew members represent 1.2% of the ship's 1,131-member staff.
Commonly reported symptoms included diarrhea and vomiting, which are typical indicators of acute gastroenteritis induced by norovirus.
Immediate Response Measures
In reaction to the outbreak, Princess Cruises and the Caribbean Princess crew swiftly implemented several measures: enhancing cleaning and disinfection protocols according to their prevention plan, collecting stool samples from affected individuals for laboratory analysis, isolating sick passengers and crew, and consulting with the CDC on sanitation procedures.
The company released a statement acknowledging the situation: "A limited number of individuals reported mild gastrointestinal illness during the Caribbean Princess's April 28 voyage from Port Everglades."
Princess Cruises further assured that they "thoroughly sanitized every area of the ship and increased sanitization efforts throughout the journey."
CDC's Involvement and Past Incidents
The CDC has launched a field response, conducting an environmental assessment and investigating the outbreak to assist the ship in managing the situation.
This is not the first encounter with norovirus for Princess Cruises in 2026. Back in March, the Star Princess saw 153 affected—104 passengers and 49 crew—during a Caribbean cruise, a more severe episode than the current situation.
Overall, this marks the fourth confirmed gastrointestinal outbreak on U.S.-flagged cruise ships this year, all attributed to norovirus.
In February 2025, a Royal Caribbean ship experienced an outbreak affecting dozens, and another cruise docked in Fort Lauderdale with over 100 gastrointestinal cases onboard.
Understanding Norovirus Spread
According to the CDC, norovirus is the leading cause of diarrhea and vomiting outbreaks in the United States. It spreads easily in closed environments like cruise ships through direct person-to-person contact, consumption of contaminated food or liquids, and contact with contaminated surfaces.
Cruise ships are mandated by law to report to the CDC when 3% or more of passengers or crew exhibit symptoms of acute gastroenteritis.
Also in 2025, a Royal Caribbean ship arrived in Miami with a hundred sick individuals, highlighting the ongoing issue of norovirus outbreaks at sea within the cruise industry.
The Caribbean Princess is scheduled to arrive in Port Canaveral on May 11, at which point Princess Cruises states the ship "will undergo a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection before embarking on its next voyage."
Frequently Asked Questions About Norovirus on Cruises
What is the main cause of norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships?
Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are primarily caused by the virus spreading in closed environments through direct person-to-person contact, contaminated food or liquids, and surfaces.
How does Princess Cruises handle norovirus outbreaks?
Princess Cruises implements enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, collects samples for analysis, isolates affected individuals, and consults with the CDC to manage norovirus outbreaks.
What actions has the CDC taken regarding norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships?
The CDC conducts field responses, including environmental assessments and investigations, to aid cruise ships in controlling norovirus outbreaks.