The Ruby Princess, a Princess Cruises vessel, docked in San Francisco on Thursday for deep cleaning after more than 100 passengers and about 23 crew members reported symptoms consistent with norovirus. This marks the third outbreak for the company in 2023, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Outbreak Details and Ship Itinerary
The Ruby Princess departed San Francisco on 12 June for a voyage to Alaska and Canada, scheduled to return on 2 July. Over two weeks into the journey, CDC officials were notified of an outbreak, defined as 3% or more of passengers falling ill. The ship carried 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members at the time.
Norovirus Symptoms and Transmission
Norovirus is highly contagious, causing diarrhea and vomiting. It spreads when tiny particles of fecal matter or vomit enter the mouth, often through contaminated hands or surfaces. Health officials emphasize regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or before eating, to prevent transmission.
Company Response and Industry Context
A Princess Cruises spokesperson did not immediately comment on the cause of the outbreak. Affected passengers and crew have been isolated while the ship undergoes disinfection. Cruise ships, with their close quarters, are prone to illness outbreaks; this year, six other norovirus outbreaks have been reported on cruise ships.
