Ruby Princess docks in Alaska after second stomach illness outbreak

The Ruby Princess arrived in Haines, Alaska, Monday with six crew members and one passenger isolated for acute gastroenteritis. Princess Cruises increased disinfecting measures and coordinated health protocols with shore excursion operators after the cases were identified, the Juneau Independent reported.

The vessel had undergone an extensive deep clean before departing San Francisco on July 2 following a larger outbreak on its previous sailing.

Prior outbreak details During the earlier voyage, 125 of 4,176 people onboard reported symptoms, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that about 3.4 percent of passengers and 2 percent of crew were affected. Princess Cruises said crew isolated sick individuals, collected stool samples, and worked with the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program.

Context on port calls and virus Monday marked the third time this year a cruise ship with an active gastrointestinal outbreak has called at Haines. The Ruby Princess is scheduled to continue its Alaska itinerary with stops at Tracy Arm, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, before returning to San Francisco.

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States and accounted for 17 of 23 cruise ship outbreaks reported to the CDC last year. The ship can carry about 3,080 passengers and 1,200 crew across 19 decks.