Norovirus outbreak on Caribbean Princess sickens over 100 in cruise horror

The outbreak sickened 102 of the ship’s 3,116 passengers and 13 crew members, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, NBC News reported.

The predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhoea, with the agency identifying norovirus as the likely cause.

The CDC said the outbreak was reported on Thursday, May 7, during the ship’s April 28 to May 11 Caribbean voyage. According to CruiseMapper, the vessel was located in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean on Sunday.

In a statement quoted by NBC News, Princess Cruises said that “a limited number of individuals reported mild gastrointestinal illness” during the voyage departing from Port Everglades in Florida.

“We quickly disinfected every area of the ship and added extra sanitising measures throughout the voyage,” the company said. “Upon arrival at Port Canaveral on May 11, Caribbean Princess will undergo comprehensive cleaning and disinfection before departing for its next voyage.”

The cruise line said enhanced sanitation protocols had been implemented, while the CDC confirmed that affected passengers and crew were isolated and stool samples collected for testing.

What is Norovirus?

According to Cleveland Clinic, Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Though symptoms may resemble the stomach flu, it has a different cause.

The virus spreads easily through close contact or via contaminated food and surfaces. Most cases typically resolve within a few days.

WHO Chief Issues Direct Appeal Over Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius

Meanwhile, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has issued a direct appeal for calm and solidarity to residents of Tenerife ahead of the scheduled arrival of the MV Hondius on Sunday.

In a rare personal message addressed to island residents on Saturday, Tedros confirmed he would travel to the Spanish territory to oversee the disembarkation of nearly 150 passengers and crew after a hantavirus outbreak aboard the vessel reportedly claimed three lives.

“It is not common for me to write directly to the people of a single community, but today I feel it is not only appropriate — it is necessary,” he said.

“I know you are worried. The pain of 2020 is still real, and I do not dismiss it for a single moment. But I need you to hear me clearly: this is not another COVID.”

The vessel is reportedly carrying the Andes strain of hantavirus, a severe respiratory illness and the only known strain capable of human-to-human transmission.

‘Corridor of Safety’

Spanish authorities have established strict containment protocols to prevent community transmission. The ship will dock at the industrial port of Granadilla, away from residential areas.

Passengers will be transported in sealed, guarded vehicles through what officials described as a fully secured “corridor of safety” before being repatriated directly to their home countries.

“You will not encounter them. Your families will not encounter them,” Tedros assured residents.

The WHO’s request for Spain’s assistance was made under the International Health Regulations, which require the nearest port with sufficient medical capacity to provide support during international health emergencies.