Cruise ship carrying nearly 100 people sick with norovirus docks in Florida
Share and Follow


MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) — A Royal Caribbean cruise ship carrying nearly 100 people sick with norovirus docked in Florida on Thursday.

The Serenade of the Seas docked at PortMiami after a nearly two-week journey from San Diego.

The norovirus outbreak on the ship was first reported to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program on Sunday, Sept. 28.

The CDC’s latest report states that 94 of 1,874 passengers, or 5%, said they became ill during the voyage. The illness affected four of 883 crew members, or 0.5%. Most people affected reported experiencing diarrhea and vomiting.

NBC affiliate WTVJ spoke with some of the passengers as they were leaving the ship Thursday.

One passenger, Margie, said she knew something was wrong when she “started feeling really funny” in her stomach. However, her symptoms didn’t last too long.

“It only lasted like 36-48 hours,” Margie said. “It was all good because they gave you free room service, and they took good care of you.”

Other passengers noted seeing increased sanitary measures, with food being brought to them instead of self-serving options, and all plates, silverware, and condiments off limits.

“When I say cleaning, they started on the bottom and worked to the top and then you would see them coming down again. All over, everywhere,” said Leslie Nilsen.

The majority of passengers were relatively unaffected. But it wasn’t smooth sailing for everyone.

Passenger Bob Pettit said, “I’m 87 years old, I’ve never been this sick in my life.”

Crew members began a full sanitation of the ship as passengers disembarked Thursday. The ship was expected to depart later Thursday to Panama on a seven-day cruise.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Court Decision: Supreme Court Allows Election Commission to Share Voter Data with DOJ

COLUMBIA., S.C. (WSPA) — A Richland County Circuit Court judge ruled Wednesday…

Suspects arrested in Augusta robbery; one individual still sought for questioning

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has arrested the…

Obtaining a Passport During a Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know

(NewsNation) — U.S. citizens attempting to acquire or renew a passport during…

Unaccompanied and Unclaimed Veterans Honors Ceremony Held at Camp Butler Cemetery

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Camp Butler held a special ceremony Wednesday to…

Mayor green lights Science Center development; residents call it 'giant win' for St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — The City of St. Petersburg will move…

Research Reveals Significant Increase in Destructive Fires Since the 1980s

WASHINGTON – Earth’s nastiest and costliest wildfires are blazing four times more…

Rays Vice President announces departure after 15 years

Related video: Ownership group acquires the Rays ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) —…

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Launches Registration for Community Emergency Response Team Training

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has opened…