Investigation Update on the Coral Princess

Investigation Update - December 31 , 2004

Princess Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Coral Princess, for the voyage completed on January 7, 2005, (sailing dates: 12/28-1/07/2005) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

On January 2, Princess Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Coral Princess passengers and crew members were experiencing GI illness. At the end of the voyage, the ship’s medical staff reported that 84 of 2116 (3.97%) passengers and 31 of 913 (3.4%) crew were ill. Predominant symptoms were vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus.

The vessel was extensively cleaned and disinfected.