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Royal Caribbean or Royal Crisis? The High Seas Turn Into the "High-Knees"

Ladies and gentlemen, grab your life vests and your hand sanitizer because the latest cruise ship caper is setting sail—and not in the way anyone hoped!

On the Radiance of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean International vessel that promises endless buffets and endless ocean views, a gastrointestinal uprising has hit the high seas. 

According to top brass at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program, roughly 89 out of 2,164 passengers—about 4.1% of the floating flock—have joined what can only be described as the “I’m-about-to-hurl” club. 

Meanwhile, only two of the 910 crewmembers have reported any symptoms, which might just mean that they’re too busy keeping the ship afloat (or maybe they’re just really good at dodging the bug).

Now, our distinguished U.S. Health Official didn’t immediately reveal which microscopic miscreant was behind this maritime misery. However, the predominant symptoms have been the usual suspects: diarrhea and vomiting. 

Yes, the kind of vomit that makes you question if the ship’s dessert station is in cahoots with the onboard restroom. The CDC did hint that norovirus is often the prime suspect on these floating fiascos—though, like any good whodunit, the investigation is still underway.

For context, this particular voyage began on February 1 and is scheduled to wrap up tomorrow on Saturday. But don't let the promise of an idyllic cruise fool you—if 2024 was the worst year in over a decade for cruise ship stomach bugs and early 2025 saw a surge in norovirus cases, you might want to start practicing your best excuse for skipping the all-you-can-eat shrimp cocktail.

In a bid to contain the chaos, the ship’s Commanding Officer of Sanitation (yes, that’s a real position now) ordered that all sick passengers and the few afflicted crew members be isolated from the unsuspecting masses. 

Meanwhile, the ship’s Chief Disinfection Officer has ramped up cleaning and disinfection procedures to levels that would make a germophobe weep with joy. Stool specimens are being collected for testing—because nothing says “we’re on top of this” like a thorough investigation into what’s lurking in the lavatories.

So, what’s the takeaway from this voyage of misadventure? 

Our esteemed U.S. Health Official advises that frequent handwashing, ample rest, and plenty of water are your best weapons against this on-board outbreak. And while the CDC continues to chase down the microscopic culprit responsible for turning a luxury cruise into a rolling toilet bowl, passengers are encouraged to check out the CDC’s guidance page on healthy cruising for more tips—preferably before you board the next ship.

In the meantime, if you find yourself planning a cruise anytime soon, you might want to consider packing an extra dose of skepticism along with your sunscreen. 

After all, in these unpredictable waters, it pays to be prepared for both the high tides and the low… stomachs. 

Bon voyage, and may your cruise be free of unwanted surprises!

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