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.