Passenger recounts chaotic journey on virus-stricken California cruise ship

A recent voyage aboard the Ruby Princess cruise ship has drawn significant media attention due to a norovirus outbreak that affected over 100 passengers and 20 crew members. The ship, which set sail from San Francisco on June 12 for a 20-day Alaskan cruise, experienced a notable incidence of gastrointestinal illness just days into its journey. Passengers aboard described the vessel as “a floating Petri dish” amid rising anxieties regarding public health on cruise ships.

Peter Korer, a seasoned cruiser from Las Vegas with over 40 cruises to his name, recounted his alarming experience aboard the Ruby Princess, revealing that the ship’s captain informed passengers of the outbreak during an evening announcement. Korer stated that he was initially excited about the voyage, having anticipated exploring Alaska’s scenic landscapes, including Glacier Bay National Park and Ketchikan. However, the reality of the cruise took a stark turn when passengers were instructed to report any symptoms immediately to the onboard medical center.

In light of the outbreak, the ship’s crew implemented rigorous infection control measures. Infected passengers were isolated in their cabins for at least 24 hours after symptoms ceased, while gloved staff members served meals to both quarantined and healthy passengers to mitigate further spread. The swift response of the crew included enhanced cleaning protocols that involved a deep clean of public areas and private cabins alike. Korer described the precautionary measures taken, including a transition from self-service to staff-served buffets.

Despite the health scare, Korer reported that he remained symptom-free throughout the duration of the sail, largely due to his proactive approach in maintaining good hygiene practices. Upon his return to San Francisco on July 2, the Ruby Princess underwent comprehensive cleaning and disinfection procedures, as confirmed by the ship’s operator, Princess Cruises. The company acknowledged the incident but noted that only a limited number of guests fell ill, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 3.4% of passengers and 2% of crew complaining of symptoms related to norovirus.

This incident marks the third such outbreak involving norovirus on the Princess Cruises line since March, following previous occurrences on the Star Princess and Caribbean Princess. Norovirus continues to be the most prevalent cause of gastrointestinal illnesses reported by the CDC on cruise ships, constituting 17 out of 23 outbreaks reported in the previous year.

Notably, after disembarking from the Ruby Princess, Korer chose to continue his cruising experiences and boarded another ship, revealing both a resilient spirit and an ongoing appetite for maritime exploration despite the recent scare.

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