In recent years, the cruise industry has grappled with the challenge of norovirus outbreaks onboard ships. However, that battle changed significantly for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruise ships in 2023 when the company successfully eradicated norovirus outbreaks after implementing a comprehensive sanitation campaign.
Norovirus, often dubbed the “stomach flu,” is a highly contagious virus known for causing acute gastroenteritis in individuals of all ages worldwide. The pathogen is especially contagious and can be transmitted through multiple routes, including person to person contact, on contaminated surfaces, in contaminated food and water, and from aerosolized particles. Outbreaks can occur quickly in settings where people are in close proximity such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, and, yes, cruise ships.
According to a report released this week by the cruise line, the norovirus elimination program was launched in June 2023 with a number of key measures intended to halt the spread of the virus.
- Enhanced Hygiene Protocols: Crew members were trained and rigorously followed stringent hygiene practices, emphasizing handwashing, sanitization, and cleanliness throughout the ships. The company also switched to using “PDI SaniCloth Prime hospital-grade disinfectant.”
- Safety & Quality Management System Updates: The cruise line introduced a new policy to halt self-service at buffets if the onboard norovirus rate exceeded 1.5%.
- Collaboration with Health Authorities: The company worked closely with health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to monitor and address any potential risks promptly.
The results were nothing short of remarkable: not a single norovirus outbreak occurred on any Royal Caribbean International or Celebrity Cruise ship for the remainder of 2023.
However, while the overall trend has been positive, the threat of norovirus persists. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program still reported a norovirus outbreak on Celebrity Constellation in January 2024 and on Royal Caribbean International Radiance of the Seas in April 2024. These incidents highlight the need for continued vigilance and ongoing preventive measures.
According to the CDC, norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships account for only 1% of all reported outbreaks. In its report, Royal Caribbean states that outbreaks in the cruise ship industry tend to attract more media attention, leading to the perception that norovirus infections on cruise ships is more common. However, norovirus is the greatest cause (over 90%) of all gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “Royal Caribbean Group’s successful elimination of norovirus outbreaks in 2023 is a significant milestone. By prioritizing passenger health, implementing robust protocols, and collaborating with health authorities, the company has set a new standard for safety at sea.”
As travelers eagerly return to cruising, this achievement provides reassurance that their well-being remains a top priority.
