Radiance of the seas hit by illness as outbreaks surge
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 19
This incident is part of a troubling trend, with multiple cruise ship outbreaks reported in recent years, often linked to norovirus and other contagious infections.
In early February 2025, Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas experienced a significant gastrointestinal illness outbreak during its seven-day cruise in the Western Caribbean. Departing from Tampa, Florida, the ship reported that 89 out of 2,164 passengers and two of the 910 crew members fell ill, exhibiting symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Implemented cleaning protocols and isolation
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was notified on February 4, and while the exact cause remains undetermined, norovirus is often implicated in similar cases. In response, Royal Caribbean implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, isolated affected individuals, and collected stool samples for further analysis. The vessel returned to Tampa on February 8.
Trend in 2025
16 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks is according to CNN reported on cruise ships in 2024, marking the highest number in over a decade. This incident is part of a concerning trend in 2025, with the CDC reporting six gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships within the first two months. Three of these outbreaks have been attributed to norovirus, a highly contagious virus known for causing acute gastroenteritis.
One of the other outbreaks recently happened in December last year. Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 experienced a significant norovirus outbreak during a Caribbean voyage. Reports indicate that over 200 passengers fell ill with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. CDC documented this incident, noting that 100 passengers and 7 crew members were affected. The most severe gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship occurred in January 2014 aboard Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Approximately 700 individuals—comprising 16.3% of passengers and crew—contracted norovirus, leading to early termination of the voyage.
151 inspections
Norovirus is notorious for its rapid spread in confined environments like cruise ships, leading to symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Transmission occurs through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals. The virus is resilient, capable of surviving on surfaces for extended periods, making stringent hygiene practices essential to prevent outbreaks.
In 2024, the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program conducted 151 inspections, identifying 13 bacterial and viral outbreaks on cruise ships, predominantly linked to norovirus.
Good hand hygiene
These findings underscore the importance of rigorous sanitation and prompt reporting to manage and mitigate the spread of illnesses on cruise vessels.
Passengers are advised to practice good hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with sick individuals, and report any symptoms to the ship's medical staff promptly. Cruise lines continue to collaborate with health authorities to enhance preventive measures and ensure passenger safety.
Facts about Norovirus
What is norovirus? A highly contagious virus causing vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
How does it spread? Through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or direct contact with infected individuals.
Why is it common on cruise ships? Confined spaces and shared dining areas make it easy to spread.
How long does it last? Symptoms typically last 1–3 days, but the virus can linger on surfaces for weeks.
Prevention tips: Wash hands frequently, avoid touching the face, and report symptoms immediately.
Recent outbreaks: Multiple cruise ships in 2024–2025, including Radiance of the Seas in February 2025.
