Norovirus Outbreak Sickens 150+ Passengers on Princess Cruise Ship
A norovirus outbreak has hit the Star Princess, sickening over 150 people aboard the Princess Cruises ship. Here’s what we know.
Norovirus Outbreak on Star Princess
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that 104 guests and 49 crew members reported illness during the ship’s current voyage. The Star Princess was carrying 4,307 guests at the time. The main symptoms reported were vomiting and diarrhea.
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The ship is currently sailing a Caribbean itinerary. It is scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades on March 14.
How Princess Cruises Responded
Princess Cruises acted quickly once the illness spread. The cruise line shared the following statement:
“We quickly disinfected every area of the ship and added extra sanitizing throughout the voyage. We also separated anyone feeling unwell so they could rest comfortably in private — just an added precaution to help keep the rest of our guests and crew feeling their best.”
The cruise line described the situation as a “limited number of individuals reported mild gastrointestinal illness” during the March 7 voyage.
The CDC Is Investigating
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program stepped in to help. The agency said it is “doing a field response to conduct an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to assist the ship in controlling the outbreak.”
This is the second cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreak the CDC has logged this year that met its threshold for public notification. In 2025, there were 23 total outbreaks. Seventeen of those were caused by norovirus.
Is Norovirus Really a Cruise Ship Problem?
Many people connect norovirus with cruise ships. But that connection may be overblown. According to the CDC, cruise ship outbreaks make up only 1% of all reported norovirus outbreaks.
Sarah R. Michaels, an assistant professor at Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, explained it this way:
“(Outbreaks are) often taking place within the community, and oftentimes we don’t know that they’re happening. Really, when we have these areas where people … are in really close contact, things like day care facilities, nursing homes and cruise ships, it’s more likely (to be) diagnosed, reported and brought to our attention.”
In other words, cruise ships get more attention partly because they are closely monitored.
How to Protect Yourself on a Cruise
Norovirus spreads easily in close quarters. Here are some simple steps to lower your risk on any cruise:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating.
- Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
- Avoid touching your face in public areas.
- Report any illness symptoms to the ship’s medical staff right away.
- Stay in your cabin if you feel sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
Cruise lines take sanitation seriously, and ships are regularly inspected by the CDC. Being proactive about your own hygiene is the best defense.
