Ruby Princess Battles New Illness Cases on Sailing Right After Outbreak

Ruby Princess is currently facing new cases of gastrointestinal illness, just days after a serious norovirus outbreak that affected 125 individuals, including 102 guests and 23 crew members. As of July 5, 2026, at least seven additional cases have been reported, involving six crew members and one passenger, all of whom are in isolation. This situation is not uncommon in the cruise industry, as norovirus can spread easily in crowded environments, and crew members may remain contagious even after symptoms subside. For cruisers, this means heightened sanitation measures and ongoing vigilance, especially during peak travel seasons. Interestingly, Ruby Princess had to delay its departure from San Francisco for deep cleaning before embarking on its 10-night voyage, which includes stops in Sitka and Ketchikan.