Investigation Update on the Empress of the Seas

Investigation Update - January 27, 2005

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Empress of the Seas, for the voyage completed on January 28, 2005 (sailing dates: 01/17-01/28/2005) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the end of the voyage, medical staff reported that 72 of 1544 (4.6%) passengers, and 5 of 685 (0.7%) crew reported to be ill with gastrointestinal illness. Predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea. Stool specimens were collected and tested positive for norovirus. Medical staff continued to monitor gastrointestinal illness cases; by the following voyage the number of reported cases returned to expected levels.