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An outbreak of norovirus on Serenade of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean International Cruise, created a memorable trip for many. Unfortunately, not all memories are good ones.
In this case, nearly 100 people became sick with a foodborne illness known as norovirus. A highly contagious germ that can run rampant in contained areas.
The reason for this?
You might not want to know.
The good news is that there are things you can do to minimize your risk when cruising.
But first, here’s what we know about the outbreak of norovirus on Serenade of the Seas so far.
When passengers of Serenade of the Seas departed San Diego, California, tropical paradise was on the horizon. What they didn’t know, is that many of their cruise mates would soon be spending more time in their cabin lavatory than on deck enjoying the views.
Serenade of the Seas left San Diego on September 19, 2025 at 5 PM and was Mexico-bound.
The cruise ship arrived at Puerta Vallarta in Mexico at 7 AM on September 22, 2025 and stayed at port for excursions until 4 PM.
Another voyage brough passengers to Huartulco, Mexico at 8 AM on September 24, 2025 and then to Puntarenas in Costa Rica that Friday afternoon on September 26, 2025. Where they stayed docked until 8 PM that night.
Realistically speaking, norovirus does not magically appear. But shortly after this time, people were exposed norovirus somewhere.
From passengers on excursions, or sick crew members potentially unaware of their illnesses, or simply from food brought onto the ship at the dock. At this time, there are more potential reasons than actual answers.
The next dock on the itinerary was the Panama Canal on September 28, 2025 at 6 AM. Where they remained until late afternoon at 3 PM.
Some time that day, reports of illness made it to the cruise ship’s regulatory health agency. The Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).
Passengers reported gastrointestinal illness, mainly consisting of diarrhea and vomiting. Norovirus was determined as the “causative agent.”
In all, nearly 100 passengers (94) reported being sick during the voyage. Along with a handful of crew members.
From there, the cruise went on to Cartagena, Columbia on September 29 from 8 AM to 4 PM and arrived in Miami, Florida early in the morning on October 2, 2025.
The total number of reported illnesses on board Serenade of the Seas was 94 of the 1,874 passengers. That is 5% of those on the cruise. At least four of the 883 crew members (0.5%) also reported illnesses.
Several activities took place on the cruise vessel in response to the norovirus outbreak.
First, the outbreak prevention and response plan called for increased cleaning and disinfection procedures. These activities help prevent further spread of the viral illness.
Stool specimens were collected and tested from those reporting gastrointestinal illness. This is performed to determine the germ responsible for the illnesses.
Sick passengers and crew were isolated to prevent further spread of infection.
The illnesses were reported to VSP and the agency was consulted about sanitation and cleaning procedures.
“VSP is remotely monitoring the situation, including review of the ship’s outbreak response and sanitation procedures.”
Norovirus is a viral infection. Sometimes people refer to it as “the stomach flu” or a stomach bug because many of the same symptoms overlap between the two illnesses. However, it is a gastrointestinal virus. As opposed to a respiratory virus.
Outbreaks are often foodborne because the germs are highly contagious and transmitted via fecal-oral route.
You become sick with norovirus after touching something an infected person has touched without effectively washing their hands and then eating or touching your own mouth.
It doesn’t take much to become sick either. Health experts say that you can become infected with as few as 10 viral particles. Even trace amounts that you cannot see, taste, or smell can be enough to spread infection.
People begin feeling sick around 12 to 48 hours after exposure. These symptoms can range from mild to so severe that an individual can become seriously dehydrated or require hospitalization to recover from their illness.
Common symptoms include:
Most people recover within a few days (one to three).
But be careful!
You are most contagious and likely to transmit your illness to others while you are actively sick through the first few days of feeling better.
The lurking risk of norovirus does not necessarily mean your vacations should be land locked. If cruises are still your jam, book that get-a-way. But plan for a safe voyage.
Most gastrointestinal illnesses are spread through fecal-oral route. Touching so many common surfaces can transfer countless germs onto your grubby mitts. Frequent hand washing can break that fecal-oral pathway.
Wash your hands before you eat or drink. Even if you are using utensils. Even if it is a small snack. Or if you are simply opening a straw and placing it into your cup.
Part of the cruise experience is the countless buffets.
Pizza at midnight? No problem. Ice cream for breakfast? Pretty sure there is a machine running at all times.
If you are wanting to err on the side of caution, avoid unattended food. As in, food not served by someone wearing gloves and a hairnet.
When anyone can grab that serving spoon, countless germs can be deposited onto its surface.
Choose the dining option or packaged food instead, if you really want to cut down on your risk.
Normally healthy people can still get sick if exposed to harmful germs. But it doesn’t hurt to have a robust immune system.
Get plenty of rest. Drink water. Take vitamins as needed. Whatever you normally do to keep the immune system in tip top shape.
If you see someone vomiting or having diarrhea, leave the area immediately and report the illness. Whether it is your illness or that of someone else, it is important to control outbreaks in confined spaces.
If you have been impacted by this norovirus outbreak on Serenade of the Sea or another cruise ship outbreak and want to file a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a norovirus lawyer that can help!
Foodborne illness is inconvenient, disruptive to your personal and professional life, and in some cases serious or life-threatening. Most of the time foodborne illness is completely preventable. Lapses in food safety or sanitation protocols result in consumers becoming sick.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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