Investigation Update on the Island Princess
Investigation Update - June 1, 2004
- Princess Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the
ship, Island Princess, for the voyage completed on June 5, 2004, (sailing dates: 5/29-6/5/2004) in
Whittier, AK.
- On May 31, Princess Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that
an unusual number of Island Princess passengers were experiencing GI illness. At 5:19 p.m. ET on June 4,
the ship’s medical staff reported that 375 of 2018 (18.58%) passengers and 50 of 896 (5.58%) crew members
were ill. Predominant symptoms were diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and nausea.
- The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. On June 2, CDC staff boarded the vessel in
Skagway, AK to conduct a vessel inspection, consult with onboard medical staff, observe cleaning and
disinfection procedures, distribute a survey to determine the cause of illness,
and make recommendations. Princess Cruise Line provided daily reports throughout the
2 following voyages; elevated levels of GI illnesses were reported during those
voyages and returned to an expected level by the voyage 6/12/04-6/19/04.
- Onboard screening tested positive for norovirus.