A Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the Serenade of the Seas, returned to PortMiami with nearly 2,000 passengers on board after a two-week journey during which around 100 individuals experienced a norovirus outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 94 passengers and four crew members contracted the highly contagious virus, primarily during a 13-day voyage that commenced on September 19 from San Diego, stopping in Mexico and Costa Rica before crossing the Panama Canal.
The ship docked in Cartagena, Colombia, on Monday before arriving at PortMiami shortly before 6 a.m. on Thursday. Norovirus is known for spreading rapidly in confined settings like cruise ships, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weakness.
Passengers shared their personal experiences regarding the outbreak, with one, Margie, recounting, “I started feeling really funny in my stomach… I was quarantined.” Another passenger, Artur Madej, explained that he was unwell for several days prior to reaching Miami, suggesting that the reported cases may not fully reflect the actual numbers, as he noted friends who were sick did not report their symptoms due to fear of being quarantined.
The crew reported the outbreak to the CDC soon after the virus was detected, prompting the enforcement of safety protocols, including isolating affected passengers and intensifying sanitation efforts. Passengers reported that the ship’s crew quickly acted upon the situation, implementing thorough cleaning procedures.
Despite the outbreak, regular cruisers noted that the experience remained enjoyable and that the additional cleaning measures didn’t detract from their overall trip. “It’s just a smooth sailing. Yup, it wasn’t anything different than normal other than they had extra cleaning,” remarked Bob Aimes, highlighting the crew’s professionalism in managing the situation.
Many passengers expressed gratitude for the support provided by the staff. Margie praised receiving free room service, while Sheila Aimes commended the crew for their dedication, stating, “They worked many, many hours to make sure we were safe.”
After passengers disembarked, the crew dedicated the rest of the morning to fully sanitize the ship, preparing for its next departure to Panama scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
In light of this incident, the cruise industry remains vigilant in managing health protocols to ensure passenger safety and well-being, emphasizing the importance of rapid response in maintaining a secure environment onboard.