The final 2024 Alaska cruise of Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas experienced an unexpected challenge when a gastrointestinal illness outbreak spread among passengers and crew. The incident, which affected a significant number of travelers, required reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to its scale.
Outbreak Details
Out of 2,172 guests aboard the vessel, 167 passengers reported symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal illness, according to cruisehive.com. These symptoms included diarrhea, cramps, headaches, and muscle aches. Additionally, 3 out of 894 crew members also reported similar symptoms.
When combining both guests and crew, 5.51% of all individuals on board reported illness symptoms, representing the total number of cases throughout the entire voyage, not necessarily simultaneous infections.
The CDC requires cruise ships to report outbreaks when 3% or more of guests or crew members report similar symptoms, a threshold this incident clearly surpassed.
Cruise Itinerary
The affected cruise departed from Vancouver, Canada, on September 20, 2024, for a 7-night journey. The ship’s itinerary included popular Alaska ports such as Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Ketchikan before a voyage back to Vancouver on September 27.
Response and Preventive Measures
Upon recognizing the outbreak, the ship’s crew implemented several measures to manage the situation and limit further spread:
1. Frequent announcements encouraging thorough hand washing
2. Increased cleaning and disinfection of public areas and high-contact surfaces
3. Passengers were encouraged to take personal precautions, such as practicing social distancing, avoiding crowds, increasing use of hand sanitizer, and opting for stairs instead of crowded elevators
Ongoing Investigation
The specific cause of the outbreak has not yet been determined. Additional testing and laboratory work are likely underway to identify the origin of the illness. Norovirus or E. coli are typically the common cause of outbreaks about cruise ships.
Impact on Subsequent Voyages
Despite the outbreak, Radiance of the Seas‘ departure for its next voyage on September 27 was not delayed. The ship embarked on an 8-night repositioning cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles, marking the end of its Alaska season. Enhanced cleaning measures were set to continue during this voyage.
Following the Los Angeles arrival, the ship is scheduled for a 16-night journey to Tampa, Florida, passing through the Panama Canal. After reaching Tampa, Radiance of the Seas will offer Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries until returning to Alaska for the 2025 summer season.
Previous Outbreak in 2024
This was not the first reported illness outbreak aboard Radiance of the Seas in 2024. In April, the ship experienced a confirmed norovirus outbreak affecting 67 passengers and 2 crew members on the cruise. While both incidents occurred on the same vessel, there is no indication that the two outbreaks are related.
Norovirus: A Common Culprit
Norovirus, often suspected in such outbreaks, is one of the most common viruses causing diarrhea, vomiting, and similar “stomach flu” symptoms. The CDC identifies norovirus as the leading cause of gastrointestinal illness in the United States, with approximately 2,500 outbreaks reported annually.
While cruise ship outbreaks often make headlines due to CDC reporting requirements, norovirus outbreaks are also common in other settings such as hospitals, schools, and events where large numbers of people gather.
Cruise Industry Context
The incident aboard Radiance of the Seas is not isolated within the cruise industry. In 2024 alone, norovirus outbreaks have been reported on six other cruise ships:
1. P&O Cruises’ Acadia
2. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit
3. Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess
4. Holland America Line’s Koningsdam
5. Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria
6. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Constellation
Prevention Strategies
Health authorities, including the CDC, emphasize that the simplest and most effective prevention method for norovirus and similar gastrointestinal illnesses is frequent and thorough handwashing. This is particularly important after using restroom facilities and before handling food.
Cruise lines typically implement rigorous sanitation protocols and passenger education programs to minimize the risk of outbreaks. However, the close quarters and communal nature of cruise ships can sometimes facilitate the spread of such illnesses despite these measures. In April, Food Poisoning News reported on how Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises were able to eliminate all norovirus outbreaks in 2023 with enhanced hygiene protocols, better overall safety practices, and collaboration with health authorities.
Commenting on this article, one national norovirus lawyer said, “While unfortunate for those affected, only a small number of passengers and crew became sick on this cruise. Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness are a known risk in the cruise industry but it’s important to remember the same risk applies in any setting where large groups of people are gathered. It’s a good reminder of the importance of prevention strategies and good health hygiene, like frequent hand-washing, to minimize the chance of future outbreaks.”
