TAMPA, FL – A cruise vacation turned unexpectedly into a health concern when an outbreak of illness struck the Radiance of the Seas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ship, which departed from the Port of Tampa last Saturday, reported at least 89 passengers and two crew members experiencing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea by Tuesday.
Passengers who managed to stay healthy attributed their good fortune to strict hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding contact with surfaces. “We just made sure to stay healthy,” one passenger noted, emphasizing the importance of not touching their face.
In response to the outbreak, the crew implemented heightened sanitation measures to prevent the spread of the illness. Dining areas, typically self-serve, were converted to staff-served stations to minimize contact with communal utensils. “They stepped up their program to do a lot of cleaning,” a passenger observed, which included sanitizing the cafeteria and other public spaces.
The outbreak led to visible changes in the ship’s atmosphere, with some passengers noticing fewer people in dining areas. “There was a lot of people as you would go to your evening dining, then you would see tables that were empty,” one traveler recounted.
The CDC’s data indicates that Radiance of the Seas is the sixth cruise ship this year to experience a health-related outbreak. Previous incidents have included E. coli, foodborne illnesses from contaminated fish, and norovirus. However, Royal Caribbean officials have stated that the current illness is not linked to norovirus. The exact cause remains under investigation by the CDC.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson assured guests that “enhanced measures have been implemented on board in an abundance of caution to protect the health and comfort of all of our guests and crew.” Meanwhile, the CDC continues its testing to identify the specific nature of the outbreak.
Passengers reported that those who fell ill typically experienced symptoms for about 24 hours. Health authorities are working diligently to understand the outbreak and ensure the safety of future voyages.