What Was the 2013 Poop Cruise
The 2013 poop cruise refers to a Caribbean outbreak of gastrointestinal illness aboard the Royal Caribbean ship Explorer of the Seas. More than 600 passengers and crew reported symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea during the voyage, making it one of the largest reported cruise ship outbreaks that year.
How the Outbreak Spread
Health investigators linked the illness to a highly contagious virus, likely norovirus, which spread quickly in enclosed public areas. The ship cut short its itinerary and returned early to port so crews could conduct deep cleaning and sanitation procedures.
What Happened After the Outbreak
Royal Caribbean reported the incident to public health authorities and adjusted its cleaning protocols. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitors cruise ship outbreaks through its Vessel Sanitation Program, which tracks gastrointestinal illness cases on passenger ships.
Passengers affected by the 2013 outbreak filed complaints and some sought compensation for medical costs and disrupted travel plans. The incident highlighted how quickly contagious illness can spread on large cruise ships and the importance of strict sanitation measures.
CDC Vessel Sanitation Program
