Norovirus Outbreak Sickens Over 150 on Princess Cruise

CDC reports gastrointestinal illness affected passengers and crew during Caribbean voyage.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:07pm

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More than 150 passengers and crew members on a Princess cruise ship fell ill due to a norovirus outbreak during an eight-day Caribbean voyage last week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cruise liner, called the Star Princess, had 4,307 guests and 1,561 crew members on board when the outbreak was reported to the CDC on March 11.

Why it matters

Norovirus outbreaks are relatively common on cruise ships, especially those operated by major cruise lines. The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program works with the cruise industry to help prevent and control such gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on ships.

The details

Those who fell ill during the norovirus outbreak predominantly experienced diarrhea and vomiting. In response, Princess Cruises and the Star Princess crew followed their outbreak response plan, which includes increased cleaning, disinfection, sample collection, and isolation of sick passengers and crew.

  • The Star Princess set out on March 7 for an eight-day Caribbean cruise.
  • The outbreak was reported to the CDC on March 11, while the ship was sailing from Belize City to Cozumel.

The players

Princess Cruises

The cruise line that operates the Star Princess ship where the norovirus outbreak occurred.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The U.S. health agency that announced the norovirus outbreak on the Princess cruise ship and is conducting an investigation through its Vessel Sanitation Program.

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The takeaway

Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are an ongoing challenge for the industry, highlighting the need for robust outbreak response plans and continued collaboration between cruise lines and health authorities like the CDC to protect passenger and crew health.