Passenger Remains Hopeful After Norovirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship

A seasoned traveler, Bob Pettit, 87, refuses to be discouraged by a recent bout with norovirus on a cruise in the Pacific. Despite nearly 100 passengers falling ill, Pettit plans to embark on his 26th voyage.

The outbreak occurred on the Serenade of the Seas after disembarkation from San Diego, with symptoms including severe stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. The 13-day journey included stops in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia, though Pettit and his son Josh could not enjoy these destinations fully due to illness.

Bob Pettit holding a ship's wheel on a Royal Caribbean cruise. — Bob Pettit, one of nearly 100 passengers affected, remains optimistic about future journeys.

He remarked, “I’ve never been this sick in my life,” highlighting the severity of his experience. The CDC confirmed this as a genuine outbreak, with 94 passengers and four crew members reported ill as of Wednesday.

Symptoms began with an upset stomach, worsened over several days, and proved to be highly contagious. Despite quarantine measures, the virus continued to spread onboard. Pettit and others adhered to strict hygiene practices, but the close quarters made containment difficult.

Future precautions are now on their minds. Josh mentioned that they are being more vigilant about touching shared surfaces and hand hygiene to prevent another infection.

Royal Caribbean passenger Bob Pettit wearing sunglasses and a blue polo shirt. — Pettit plans to sail again despite recent health issues.

Royal Caribbean emphasized their commitment to safety, stating they follow rigorous cleaning protocols exceeding public health standards. The crew is actively working to manage the situation and ensure passengers’ safety as the cruise nears its conclusion in Miami.

Overall, the outbreak contributed to over 19 reported gastrointestinal illness cases on cruises this year, with several linked to norovirus infections on Royal Caribbean ships.