PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – A cruise ship linked to a norovirus outbreak left Port Canaveral again Monday afternoon, just hours after returning from a 13-day trip.
Princess Cruises said more than 100 passengers and 13 crew members got sick during the trip on the Caribbean Princess.
Some passengers said they first thought the illness was food poisoning before learning about the norovirus outbreak.
“We just thought it was food poisoning and then the next morning we heard that there was an outbreak of the norovirus throughout the ship,” one passenger told News 6.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl said norovirus can spread easily in crowded places, not just on cruise ships.
“Norovirus lives within our communities as well as on cruise ships and many places that people go,” Bahl said. “It’s easily transmitted between individuals.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there were around 12 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships in 2025. So far this year, there have only been a few reported cases.
Bahl said people should still feel comfortable taking vacations this summer. He also said hantavirus cases remain very rare.
“As we enter into vacation season for the summer time, I encourage you to go on these vacations and spend your time to relax,” Bahl said.
Cruise expert Stewart Chiron said the outbreaks are not stopping people from booking trips.
“It’s record levels,” Chiron said. “There are more people cruising today at higher prices than at any other time in history.”
He said most travelers who already booked cruises are keeping their plans because they still feel safe.
Princess Cruises said there were no delays or schedule changes tied to the outbreak.