The holiday spirit was dampened for some guests aboard the Celebrity Eclipse, which recently faced an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness during its Christmas sailing. A total of 104 cases were reported among both guests and crew, with the most common symptoms being vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Although no specific causative agent has been confirmed, the outbreak was significant enough to alert the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as it exceeded the 3% reporting threshold.
During the eight-night cruise, which departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on December 20 and included stops in Antigua, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, 95 out of 3,042 guests, along with 9 crew members from a team of 1,235, reported symptoms. This translates to 3.1% of guests and 0.7% of crew members experiencing issues.
Upon the ship’s return to Fort Lauderdale on December 28, the outbreak was formally reported to the CDC. Fortunately, the ship has since resumed its sailings without delays.
In response to the outbreak, the crew took immediate action to prevent further spread of illness. Measures included enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures, particularly in public areas, isolating affected individuals, and collecting samples for analysis to identify any potential pathogens. These protocols are vital in containing outbreaks and are particularly effective against norovirus and similar infections, which are often spread through contaminated surfaces and direct contact.
While the Celebrity Eclipse outbreak marked the first incidence on a Celebrity Cruises ship this year, it is important to note that it is the twenty-second reported outbreak across all cruise lines in 2025. Previous cases have mainly involved norovirus, along with some instances where the causative agent remained unidentified. For context, the most recent significant outbreak occurred aboard AIDAdiva, affecting 114 guests and crew members.
Despite the stigma that cruise ships are “floating petri dishes,” it should be noted that many ships have operated safely this year without significant illness. The ongoing vigilance in health practices and protocols is crucial for maintaining guest safety on all cruise lines.
As we continue to navigate through holiday celebrations, the importance of hygiene on cruise ships remains paramount. Guests are encouraged to take precautions by washing their hands frequently and avoiding excessive contact with high-touch surfaces, just as crews are dedicated to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.