An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness has impacted 89 passengers and 2 crew members aboard the Radiance of the Seas, a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. This incident occurred during a voyage that commenced on February 1st and is set to conclude this coming Saturday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
In response, the cruise line activated its outbreak prevention and response protocol by enhancing cleaning and disinfection processes and isolating the sick passengers and crew. Samples were collected for laboratory analysis, and health monitoring measures were implemented in consultation with the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). The VSP is remotely overseeing the situation, reviewing the ship's response and sanitation procedures. Although norovirus is typically the usual suspect in such cruise outbreaks, lab tests are still pending to pinpoint the specific causative agent. Health authorities emphasize that reporting symptoms of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is crucial for containing these outbreaks aboard ships, as it facilitates early detection and an improved health response. So far this year, there have been at least six cruise-related outbreaks in 2025, according to the CDC. In a related development, the United States Supreme Court recently announced it would review a high-profile case where Havana Docks Corporation accuses several cruise companies, including Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., of violating the Cuba embargo by using port facilities confiscated after the Cuban revolution. This legal battle has escalated to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which granted a stay in favor of the plaintiff. Approximately 4.1% of the passengers experienced symptoms of the gastrointestinal illness. As of now, the cause of the outbreak is still unidentified, with lab tests pending to confirm the specific agent. The Vessel Sanitation Program is monitoring the situation remotely and reviewing the ship's sanitation and response procedures.Understanding the Gastrointestinal Outbreak on Royal Caribbean
What percentage of passengers were affected by the outbreak?
Has the cause of the illness been identified?
How is the Vessel Sanitation Program involved?