South Florida Local News
Dozens of passengers and crew affected by gastrointestinal illness during Celebrity Eclipse cruise from Florida to the Caribbean
Florida – A gastrointestinal illness outbreak on the Celebrity Eclipse cruise ship has affected dozens of passengers and crew members, highlighting the ongoing challenges cruise lines face in preventing the spread of infections at sea. The incident occurred during an eight-day voyage that set sail from December 20 and returned to Florida on December 28, 2025.
According to reports, out of 3,042 passengers aboard the Celebrity Eclipse, 95 experienced symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In addition, nine crew members were also affected. The cruise included stops in Fort Lauderdale, St. John’s in Antigua, Philipsburg in St. Maarten, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Plata at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, before heading back to Florida.
The outbreak was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program on the last day of the cruise. While the exact cause of the illness had not been confirmed at the time of the report, cruise officials immediately stepped up cleaning and disinfection measures onboard. Stool samples were collected from affected passengers and crew to help determine the source of the outbreak, and the ship worked closely with the CDC to enhance sanitation protocols.
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Celebrity Cruises, the operator of the Eclipse, emphasized that it acted swiftly to limit the spread of the illness. The company’s efforts included thorough cleaning of public areas, cabins, and dining facilities, along with reinforcing hand hygiene practices among passengers and crew. These measures are standard procedure following outbreaks on cruise ships, which often face the challenge of containing highly contagious viruses in close quarters.
This outbreak is part of a broader pattern of gastrointestinal illnesses reported on cruise ships in 2025. According to the CDC, there were 22 cruise ship illness outbreaks reported this year, the majority caused by norovirus, a highly contagious virus that commonly spreads in crowded environments. Earlier in the year, the AIDAdiva experienced a norovirus outbreak during a world cruise that visited multiple international ports, demonstrating the ongoing risk of viral transmission in the cruise industry.
Passengers who experienced symptoms of gastrointestinal illness are advised to follow up with their healthcare providers if they continue to feel unwell after returning home. In addition, the CDC and cruise line officials encourage travelers to practice proper handwashing, avoid sharing personal items, and remain aware of hygiene practices while onboard to reduce the risk of infection.
For those seeking more details about the Celebrity Eclipse incident, CruiseMinus maintains a detailed page covering the ship’s illnesses, including information about the number of passengers affected and updates on the investigation into the source of the outbreak. The site has become a valuable resource for travelers looking to stay informed about health and safety issues on cruise ships.
Cruising remains a popular vacation choice, offering passengers the chance to explore multiple destinations while enjoying luxury amenities onboard. However, incidents like the Celebrity Eclipse outbreak serve as a reminder of the importance of rigorous health and sanitation measures in maintaining safe and enjoyable travel experiences for all.
As the cruise industry continues to recover from past global health challenges, both passengers and operators are paying closer attention to hygiene and illness prevention. In the case of the Celebrity Eclipse, swift response and coordination with the CDC helped limit the number of affected individuals and demonstrated the ongoing commitment to passenger safety at sea.
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