According to the Orlando Sentinel, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are investigating and gastrointestinal illness outbreak that occurred on the Disney Wonder last week. 92 passengers — which accounts for 3% of the guests on board — reported falling ill with vomiting being the main symptom. Additionally, five of the ship’s 991 crew members reported being ill as well. No cause has been determined yet but the CDC is planning an environmental health assessment.
In a statement, Disney Cruise Line said “Our primary focus was on taking care of our guests and crew. We have a comprehensive plan that outlines protocols for managing this kind of situation and closely follow CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of common stomach-related illnesses.” The Cruise Line also reports increased cleaning and disinfection procedures as well as making at least one operational change — Cast Members will be serving guests at buffets instead of them serving themselves.
These types of outbreaks are unfortunately common on cruise ships although Disney has had a fairly clean record in comparison. The last time they had a major sickness outbreak was in 2002 aboard the Disney Magic.