125 passengers and crew hit with highly contagious stomach virus on
cruise from San Francisco
[July 03, 2026]
By OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More than 120 passengers and crew members on a
Princess Cruises ship that docked in San Francisco on Thursday were
infected with a stomach virus while on their voyage, federal health
officials said.
The Ruby Princess was on a 20-day round trip journey from San Francisco
to Canada and Alaska when 102 passengers and 23 crew members were
stricken by norovirus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention said.
Norovirus is highly contagious, often spread by food or on surfaces,
particularly in crowded conditions. It is a short-lived illness for many
people, but can be dangerous for people with underlying health
conditions, young children and those aged 65 and older.
Symptoms include sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain
that can last three days, according to the CDC.
The outbreak on the Ruby Princess, which set sail on June 12, was
reported to the CDC on Saturday, officials said, adding that not all the
infected people were sick at the same time or when the ship arrived or
left port.
There were 3,032 passengers and 1,144 crew members on the Ruby Princess
voyage, the CDC said.
Princess Cruises said in a statement that the ship's crew responded
promptly and implemented “enhanced sanitation protocols across the
ship.”
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The Ruby Princess is docked in San Francisco, Thursday, Jan. 6,
2021. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)
 The ship will be thoroughly cleaned
and disinfected before departing on its next trip later Thursday,
the company said.
So far this year, there have been seven illness outbreaks reported
on cruise ships in the CDC’s jurisdiction, mostly from norovirus,
health officials said.
Most norovirus outbreaks occur when people who are already infected
spread the virus to others by direct means, such as through sharing
food or utensils. Outbreaks can also be spread through food, water
or contaminated surfaces.
Washing hands frequently is key to preventing a norovirus infection,
especially after using the bathroom or before eating and drinking.
It is best to use soap and water, scrubbing and washing for at least
20 seconds. Hand sanitizer alone doesn’t work well against norovirus,
the CDC said.
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