A norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship has sickened more than 100 passengers, according to reports confirmed by multiple outlets citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vessel, operated by Princess Cruises, was sailing a Caribbean itinerary when the gastrointestinal illness spread among those onboard.

The CDC, which monitors disease outbreaks on cruise ships through its Vessel Sanitation Program, is tracking the incident. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, and cruise ships have historically been vulnerable environments due to the close quarters shared by large numbers of passengers and crew.

The Caribbean Princess outbreak comes amid broader scrutiny of health risks aboard cruise vessels. Separately, the MV Hondius, an expedition cruise ship, arrived in Tenerife amid reports linked to a hantavirus outbreak, with passenger evacuation procedures underway. Hantavirus is a far rarer and more serious pathogen transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents, and its appearance in a cruise context drew significant attention from health authorities.

Public health officials generally recommend that passengers experiencing symptoms of norovirus — including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea — isolate themselves and report their illness to ship medical staff. Cruise lines are required to report outbreaks affecting more than two percent of passengers or crew to the CDC. Princess Cruises had not issued a detailed public statement at the time of reporting.