90 Sick on Cruise — Here's What Happened
A relaxing getaway on the high seas turned into an unfortunate experience for nearly 100 passengers and crew members aboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas®. A gastrointestinal illness outbreak struck the ship, reportedly leaving 89 passengers and two crew members experiencing severe symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
The Outbreak: What We Know So Far
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak was first identified on Feb. 4, four days into the eight-day voyage that departed from Tampa, Florida, on Feb. 1. As per the CDC's guidelines, an outbreak occurs when at least 3% of passengers or crew report symptoms, and this incident easily surpassed that threshold, Fox35 Orlando reports.
While cruise ship outbreaks are not uncommon, the specific pathogen responsible for this incident has yet to be determined. Samples have been collected from affected passengers and crew to help identify the culprit.
How Royal Caribbean Responded
Royal Caribbean quickly activated emergency response measures to contain the illness and protect passengers. The cruise line reportedly implemented enhanced sanitation and cleaning protocols, increased disinfection measures, and isolated sick individuals.
A History of Cruise Ship Illness Outbreaks
This outbreak is part of a troubling trend. The CDC has recorded six gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships so far in 2025, three of which were caused by norovirus. The Radiance of the Seas itself reportedly had an outbreak in September 2024, when 167 people fell ill during a voyage from Vancouver to Alaska.
Although norovirus is a frequent cause of such outbreaks, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that this particular outbreak was not due to norovirus, WFLA News reports. The true cause remains unknown, though health officials continue to investigate.
Why Are Cruise Ships So Vulnerable?
Cruise ships create the perfect environment for illnesses to spread quickly. Thousands of people are confined in close quarters, sharing dining areas, restrooms, and recreational spaces. Contaminated food, water, or direct person-to-person contact can easily facilitate the rapid spread of infections like gastroenteritis.
Preventing Illness While Cruising
For travelers planning a cruise, there are several precautions to minimize the risk of falling ill:
- Wash Hands Frequently: Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness.
- Use Hand Sanitizer: While not a substitute for handwashing, sanitizer can provide an extra layer of protection.
- Avoid Sharing Food or Drinks: Contaminated food or beverages can spread infections rapidly.
- Report Symptoms Immediately: If you start feeling unwell, notifying cruise staff can help prevent further spread.
The CDC also recommends that passengers research cruise sanitation records before booking a trip. The Vessel Sanitation Program provides ratings and inspection scores for cruise ships, giving travelers insight into how well a company maintains cleanliness and hygiene.
The Future of Health on Cruises
With the rising number of illness outbreaks on cruise ships, companies like Royal Caribbean are under increased scrutiny to improve hygiene standards and outbreak management. In addition to following CDC guidelines, many cruise lines have strengthened their health and safety measures in recent years.
Final Thoughts
The recent outbreak aboard the Radiance of the Seas is a stark reminder that gastrointestinal illnesses remain a persistent problem on cruise ships. While Royal Caribbean took swift action, passengers should stay informed and take personal precautions when traveling at sea. As the investigation continues, travelers can only hope that cruise lines learn from these incidents and implement stronger preventive measures to keep vacations safe and enjoyable.
References: More than 90 people sick on cruise ship after outbreak | Gastrointestinal Outbreak Affects Over 90 on Royal Caribbean Cruise | Cruise Ship Outbreaks 2025: 6 Reported This Year
