A Caribbean cruise voyage ended with a health scare after more than 150 people on board the Star Princess were infected with the highly contagious norovirus, according to U.S. health officials.
The outbreak occurred during a week-long cruise that concluded Sunday, health authorities reported.
Over 150 Cases Reported on Board
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that 153 individuals became ill during the voyage, including 104 passengers and 49 crew members.
Those affected experienced common symptoms associated with Norovirus, including vomiting and diarrhea.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, which monitors illness on cruise ships and investigates possible public health threats.
Ship Returned to Florida Before Next Voyage
The cruise ship, capable of carrying more than 4,300 passengers, completed its itinerary and returned to Fort Lauderdale before departing again on a new trip later the same day. The next sailing included a stop at Princess Cays.
According to health officials, the number of infected individuals represented roughly 2.6% of those aboard the vessel, significantly lower than earlier estimates.
Response Measures Taken
Cruise operator Princess Cruises implemented several safety measures to control the spread of the virus, including:
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures throughout the ship
- Isolation of sick passengers and crew members until they disembarked
- Consultation with CDC experts to implement disease-control protocols
The CDC also sent investigators to assess the situation and ensure containment steps were properly followed.
Understanding Norovirus
Norovirus is the leading cause of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks in the United States, according to health authorities. The virus spreads easily in crowded environments such as cruise ships, schools, and care facilities.
Transmission typically occurs through:
- Direct contact with infected individuals
- Consuming contaminated food or drinks
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth
Health officials recommend frequent handwashing and disinfecting surfaces to reduce the risk of infection.
A New Cruise Ship
The Star Princess is one of the newest vessels in the Princess Cruises fleet. The ship began operations in October 2025 and features large entertainment venues, a glass-domed concert space, and dozens of restaurants and bars.
The ship’s ceremonial christening took place last year, with actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves McConaughey serving as the vessel’s official godparents.
While outbreaks on cruise ships are relatively rare, health experts say quick reporting and sanitation measures are critical to limiting further spread.
