Norovirus Sickens 125 on Ruby Princess 20-Day Alaska Voyage

The Ruby Princess docked in San Francisco on July 2 after 102 passengers and 23 crew members fell ill with norovirus during a 20-day round-trip voyage to Canada and Alaska. @NBCNews reported the outbreak details from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

The ship carried 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members when it departed San Francisco on June 12. The CDC received the first report of the outbreak on June 27. Not all infected individuals showed symptoms at the same time or upon arrival or departure.

Princess Cruises stated that the crew responded promptly and applied enhanced sanitation protocols throughout the vessel. The company said the ship would undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection before its next departure later on July 2. The CDC recorded seven illness outbreaks on cruise ships under its jurisdiction so far in 2026, with most attributed to norovirus.

The virus spreads easily through direct contact, food, water or contaminated surfaces in crowded settings. Symptoms include sudden vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain that typically last three days. The illness poses greater risk to people with underlying conditions, young children and those aged 65 and older.

Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds remains the most effective prevention method.