Investigation Update on the Royal Princess

Investigation Update - March 24, 2004

Princess Cruises reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Royal Princess, for the voyage completed on March 25, 2004 (sailing dates: 3/8-3/25/2004) in Port Everglades, Florida.

On March 22, Princess Cruises contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Royal Princess passengers were experiencing GI illness. On March 24, the ship’s medical staff reported that 46 of 1129 (4.07%) passengers and 12 of 539 (2.23%) crew members were ill. Predominant symptoms were diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection, and Princess Cruises provided special daily reports to VSP; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Stool specimens were collected; test results were negative for norovirus and the causative agent is unknown.