Federal health officials are reporting that more than 120 people aboard a Princess Cruises ship were struck by a highly contagious stomach virus during a recent voyage departing from San Francisco.
The Ruby Princess, which set sail on June 12 on a 20-day round trip to Canada and Alaska, saw 102 passengers and 23 crew members come down with norovirus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The ship docked back in San Francisco on Thursday.
Norovirus spreads easily, often through contaminated food, surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals — conditions commonly found in crowded environments like cruise ships. While the illness is usually brief, it can pose a serious risk to people with underlying health conditions, young children, and adults 65 and older.
The CDC says symptoms typically include a sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, which can persist for up to three days.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC on Saturday. Officials noted that not all infected individuals were sick at the same time, nor were all of them ill when the ship arrived or departed port. In total, the Ruby Princess carried 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members on the voyage.
In a statement, Princess Cruises said the ship’s crew acted quickly and put “enhanced sanitation protocols across the ship” into effect. The company added that the vessel would be fully cleaned and disinfected before heading out on its next trip later Thursday.
Health officials noted that seven illness outbreaks on cruise ships within CDC jurisdiction have been reported so far this year, with norovirus being the most common cause.
The CDC says the best defense against norovirus is frequent and thorough handwashing — especially after using the restroom and before eating or drinking. Scrubbing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is recommended. Officials caution that hand sanitizer alone is not effective against norovirus.
