What started as a dream getaway on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas quickly turned into a nightmare for dozens of passengers. A gastrointestinal illness swept through the ship, leaving more than 90 people sick with vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Although the eight-day cruise, which left Tampa, Florida, was supposed to be a restful getaway, for many impacted, it turned into a journey they would rather forget. Two crew members and eighty-nine passengers experienced symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While most cases were mild, the outbreak raised serious concerns about health and safety on board.
What’s Behind the Outbreak?
Health officials are still trying to pinpoint what caused the outbreak. The CDC collected stool samples from sick passengers, but results haven’t come back yet. Although norovirus frequently causes cruise ship outbreaks, other germs or viruses may also be to blame.
Royal Caribbean immediately increased the scope of its cleaning operations in response. In order to separate ill patients, clean public areas, and advise everyone on board to wash their hands often, crew members worked nonstop.
Passengers Speak Out
Many travelers expressed their annoyance at their vacation’s unplanned outcome. Within hours, several reported feeling completely well and then being violently ill. Others were unable to participate in any of the ship’s activities and were confined to their cabins for a large portion of their journey.
Despite the health scare, some travelers praised the crew for their efforts. “They were constantly cleaning, checking on people, and making sure we had everything we needed,” one passenger said. “It wasn’t the trip we hoped for, but they handled it well.”
Not the First Time for This Ship
This isn’t the first outbreak on Radiance of the Seas. Nearly 180 guests became ill during an Alaskan cruise last September 2024 due to a Salmonella outbreak on the same ship. Stricter sanitary guidelines and a CDC probe were additional results of that occurrence.
Because thousands of passengers share eating areas, restrooms, and public places, cruise ships are notorious for being a hot site for sickness. Norovirus, in particular, spreads easily through contaminated food, surfaces, or person-to-person contact.
How to Stay Safe on a Cruise
When vacationing at sea, health professionals advise taking additional precautions. In order to reduce the likelihood of being ill, travelers should:
- frequently wash their hands, particularly before eating.
- When soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer.
- Try to eat freshly prepared meals instead of buffet-style meals.
- Inform the medical professionals of any symptoms right away.
- The Reaction of Royal Caribbean
Passengers have received assurances from Royal Caribbean that their first focus is guest safety. The CDC and the company are collaborating to look into what went wrong and stop similar incidents in the future.
For now, those planning to take a cruise should be aware of the risks, practice good hygiene, and hope their trip is smooth sailing.