A norovirus outbreak on a Princess Cruises ship affected more than 120 people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Ruby Princess, which departed San Francisco on June 12 for a 20-day round-trip voyage to Canada and Alaska, reported that 102 of 3,032 passengers (3.4%) and 23 of 1,144 crew members (2%) experienced symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting.
Outbreak Response and Sanitation Measures
The CDC and the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) received the outbreak report on June 28. In response, the crew increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, collected stool specimens for testing, isolated ill passengers and crew, and consulted with VSP about protocols. Princess Cruises told ABC7 that the crew responded promptly and implemented enhanced sanitation protocols across the ship, adding that the vessel would be thoroughly cleaned before its next departure.
Ship Itinerary and Norovirus Impact
The Ruby Princess made a scheduled stop at Prince Rupert, British Columbia, on June 29, according to CruiseMapper records, before returning to San Francisco on July 2. The ship departed again on July 2 at 3 p.m. local time for a 10-day journey that includes another stop at Prince Rupert on July 9. The VSP posts outbreak alerts when 3% or more of those on board are affected.
Norovirus Spread and Prevention
The Public Health Agency of Canada notes that norovirus spreads easily through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or contaminated food. Symptoms—nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting—can start as early as 12 hours after exposure, but most recover within two to three days. Prevention includes hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and following food safety practices.
2026 Outbreak Trends
This is the seventh norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship in 2026 and the third on a Princess Cruises vessel, following outbreaks on Star Princess in March and Caribbean Princess in late April to May. In 2023, the CDC recorded 13 such outbreaks. National Post has reached out to Princess Cruises for further comment.
