Investigation Update on the Grandeur of the Seas

Investigation Update - March 13, 2006

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Grandeur of the Seas, for the 5 day voyage completed on March 11, 2006, (sailing dates: 3/6/2006-3/11/2006) in Tampa, FL.

On March 9, 2006, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Grandeur of the Seas passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with acute gastroenteritis. The predominant symptom were diarrhea and vomiting followed by abdominal cramps.

On March 11, the ship’s medical staff reported that 11 of 754 (1.46%) crew were and 130 of 2263 (5.74%) passengers were ill.

The ship's staff provided daily updates to CDC throughout the following voyage; GI illness cases returned back to an expected level two voyages later (voyage ending on 3/20/06). CDC provided support to the ship to control the spread of illness. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus.