Trending Now - Norovirus Outbreak Infects 153 on Caribbean Cruise Ship

WHO:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Princess Cruises

Star Princess cruise ship

4,307 guests and 1,561 crew members on board

WHAT:

A norovirus outbreak sickened 153 individuals (104 guests and 49 crew members) aboard the Star Princess cruise ship.

Symptoms reported included diarrhea and vomiting.

The outbreak was reported to the CDC on March 11, 2026.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program is conducting an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation.

WHERE:

The outbreak occurred aboard the Star Princess cruise ship while sailing through the Caribbean.

The ship departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and made stops in Honduras, Belize, and the Mexican Riviera.

WHEN:

The Star Princess set out on March 7, 2026, for an eight-day voyage scheduled to end on March 14, 2026.

The outbreak was reported on March 11, 2026.

WHY:

Norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships, particularly those operated by major cruise lines.

HOW:

Princess Cruises and the crew of the Star Princess followed their outbreak response plan, which included increased cleaning and disinfection procedures.

Crew members collected stool samples from symptomatic individuals for testing and isolated sick passengers and crew.

(UPDATED March 15, 2026 17:06 UTC)

A norovirus outbreak has sickened 153 individuals aboard the Star Princess cruise ship, which was sailing through the Caribbean with over 4,300 guests and crew members on board. The outbreak, reported to the CDC on March 11, involved symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, prompting the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program to conduct an environmental assessment and investigation. In response, Princess Cruises and the crew implemented their outbreak response plan, increasing cleaning measures and isolating those affected while collecting stool samples for testing.