The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the Caribbean Princess has a norovirus outbreak on its current 13-day Caribbean voyage originating from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The CDC states that 145 passengers and 15 crew members are sick with the virus.
The total number of sick passengers and crew members may increase as the Caribbean Princess is still at sea until May 11, when it returns to Fort Lauderdale.
The CDC lists the prominent symptoms as diarrhea and vomiting. Most people recover from norovirus within 1 to 3 days without medical treatment, although severe cases can pose greater risks to elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions, according to the CDC.
Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with others, contaminated surfaces, and consuming contaminated food and liquids. Cruise ships are the ideal environment for norovirus to spread given the tight living quarters, shared communal spaces, and buffet style meals.
Norovirus has earned its reputation as the cruise ship virus, accounting for 17 out of 23 gastrointestinal (GI) outbreaks in 2025.
The CDC reports GI outbreaks as part of its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). The VSP monitors cruise ships as they return to American ports for potential outbreaks. The CDC publicly reports an outbreak if 3% or more of a ship’s passengers or crew members have GI symptoms. A total of 4.7% of the ship’s 3,116 passengers were sickened with norovirus.
This is the fourth GI outbreak reported by the CDC in 2026 and the second on a Princess Cruises ship. The last outbreak on a Princess Cruises ship was on March 11, when 153 were infected with norovirus on the Star Princess.
The CDC and Princess Cruises have not responded to requests for comment as of publication.
The outbreak comes as public anxiety around shipboard illnesses is already running high. A hantavirus outbreak aboard the Hondius recently killed three people and left several more sick.
Have a comment or question? Please leave one below or join the discussion on our Facebook page.