Over 150 Sickened by Norovirus Outbreak on Star Princess Cruise

Cruise line responds with increased cleaning and isolation of ill passengers and crew

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:50pm

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More than 150 passengers and crew members aboard the Star Princess cruise ship have fallen ill due to a norovirus outbreak during a 7-night voyage to the West Caribbean and Mexico. The cruise line has implemented enhanced sanitation procedures and is working with the CDC to control the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Why it matters

Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships can be disruptive and concerning for passengers, as the virus spreads rapidly in close quarters. This incident highlights the challenges cruise lines face in maintaining public health and safety, especially for new ships like the Star Princess that have only been in operation for a short time.

The details

According to a CDC sanitation report, a total of 153 people have reported being ill - 104 of 4,307 passengers and 49 of 1,561 crew members. The cruise line has increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, is collecting stool samples for testing, and has isolated those who are ill. The CDC is also conducting an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to assist in controlling the norovirus spread.

  • The Star Princess cruise ship launched just 5 months ago in October 2025.
  • The current 7-night voyage to the West Caribbean and Mexico departed on March 7, 2026 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  • The cruise is scheduled to return on March 14, 2026.

The players

Star Princess

A cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises that launched in October 2025 and is currently dealing with a norovirus outbreak.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The federal agency conducting a field response, including an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation, to assist the cruise ship in controlling the norovirus spread.

Princess Cruises

The cruise line operating the Star Princess and responding to the norovirus outbreak by increasing cleaning, isolating ill passengers and crew, and consulting with the CDC.

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What’s next

The CDC is continuing its investigation and assessment of the outbreak aboard the Star Princess, and the cruise line is expected to provide further updates on its efforts to contain the spread of norovirus.

The takeaway

This norovirus outbreak on the new Star Princess cruise ship underscores the ongoing public health challenges faced by the cruise industry, even for recently launched vessels. Maintaining strict sanitation protocols and quickly responding to illness outbreaks is crucial for cruise lines to protect passenger and crew safety.