Investigation Update on the Radiance of the Seas

Investigation Update - September 7, 2006

Royal Caribbean International reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Radiance of the Seas, for the 7 day voyage completed on September 9, 2006, (sailing dates: 9/2/2006-9/9/2006) in Seward, AK.

On September 7, Royal Caribbean contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Radiance of the Seas passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with gastrointestinal illness. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

On September 9, the ship’s medical staff reported that during the 7 day cruise, 12 of 870 (1.38%) crew and 227 of 2131 (10.65%) passengers are ill. CDC staff boarded the ship in Seward to review medical logs, conduct an onboard environmental investigation, consult with medical staff, observe cleaning and disinfection procedures, and make recommendations.

The ship's staff implemented additional cleaning and disinfection procedures and provided daily updates to CDC throughout the remainder of the voyage and throughout the following voyage. The number of ill people returned to expected levels on the voyage that ended on 9/19/06. Stool specimens were collected and tested negative for norovirus