Over 100 sick on US cruise ship from suspected norovirus outbreak

More than 100 passengers and 23 crew members aboard the Princess Cruises ship Ruby Princess have fallen ill with suspected norovirus. The vessel, which departed San Francisco on June 12 for a journey to Alaska and Canada, reported the outbreak to the CDC more than two weeks into its voyage. The CDC defines an outbreak as 3% or more of passengers falling ill. The ship was carrying 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members when the outbreak was reported. The Ruby Princess docked in San Francisco on Thursday for disinfecting. Norovirus is a highly contagious illness that causes vomiting and diarrhea, and it spreads easily in close quarters like cruise ships. This is the third norovirus outbreak on a Princess Cruises ship this year, and the sixth reported on any cruise ship in 2026. Health officials recommend frequent handwashing to prevent the spread of germs. A spokesperson for Princess Cruises did not immediately respond to a request for comment.