An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness has struck the Royal Caribbean International cruise ship, Radiance of the Seas, affecting 89 passengers and 2 crew members. The outbreak was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program on Tuesday. The ship, which set sail on February 1 with 2,164 passengers and 910 crew members, experienced a surge in illness at the start of 2025. The CDC is currently investigating the cause of the outbreak, although it has not specified whether norovirus, a common culprit in cruise ship outbreaks, is responsible.
The Radiance of the Seas continues its voyage, which is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, as the CDC intensifies its investigation. Passengers and crew exhibiting symptoms have been isolated to prevent further spread of the illness. This proactive measure aligns with recommendations from health authorities to mitigate such outbreaks.
In light of this event, the CDC has reiterated the importance of frequent handwashing and staying hydrated and rested to minimize the risk of contracting and spreading gastrointestinal illnesses. These guidelines are part of the CDC's ongoing efforts to promote healthy cruising practices.
The current outbreak follows a concerning trend observed over the past year. In 2024, cruise ships experienced the highest number of stomach bug cases in over a decade, leading health officials to emphasize preventative measures.
“Norovirus is often a cause of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships, but we don’t always know the cause of the outbreak when we begin an investigation. Finding the agent that caused an outbreak (causative agent) can take time.” – The Vessel Sanitation Program
While norovirus remains a suspected cause in many gastrointestinal cases on cruise ships, the precise source of this particular outbreak is yet to be determined. The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program continues to gather data and conduct tests to identify the causative agent.
Passengers aboard the Radiance of the Seas are advised to adhere to health guidelines provided by the CDC. These include regular handwashing, avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.
