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Following a confirmed outbreak of norovirus on the previous sailing, embarkation for the next voyage for Ruby Princess has been delayed to permit deep cleaning and disinfection.

The 113,561-gross-ton ship arrived back in her homeport of San Francisco on schedule on Thursday, July 2, 2026. After guests from the 20-night sailing were debarked, however, new guests were not permitted onboard right away.

“During the previous cruise, limited cases of gastrointestinal illness were reported. We proactively launched a comprehensive disinfection program developed in coordination with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” the notification letter handed out at the cruise terminal explained.

“As an extra precaution, the ship will undergo additional disinfection today, Thursday, July 2, while in port in San Francisco. As a result, check-in will now begin at 12:30 PM.”

The ship’s July 2 departure is a 10-night Alaska Inside Passage sailing with visits planned for Sitka, Haines, and Ketchikan, as well as Prince Rupert in British Columbia. Scenic cruising for glacier viewing will also be a highlight of the sailing.

At this time, there is no expected delay for Ruby Princess to depart San Francisco at roughly 3 p.m. as originally scheduled. All guests must be onboard the ship no later than 2:30 p.m.

Guests are being advised that if they are “currently experiencing any symptoms of illness” they should advise a staff member when they check-in. While this may seem to be related to the norovirus outbreak, this is actually common practice for any cruise embarkation.

Typically 24-72 hours before setting sail guests are asked to complete health surveys or questionnaires that may ask about any recent fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, or similar symptoms. If guests have such symptoms, they will generally be evaluated by medical staff as part of the check-in process.

Extra precautions are likely to be taken for this sailing just to ensure there is no further contamination or spread of norovirus onboard.

Is the Norovirus Outbreak Over?

Cruise Hive has previously covered the 125 gastrointestinal illness cases reported aboard Ruby Princess. Of those cases, 102 were guests and 23 were crew members. Laboratory testing confirmed norovirus as the causative agent for the outbreak.

During the impacted sailing, extra sanitation measures were taken that included discontinuing self-service at the buffet, more frequent disinfection of high-contact surfaces, and an intense deep cleaning of all staterooms during the voyage.

With guests now debarked from the ship, a thorough, deep cleaning is possible and the ship should be properly refreshed for embarking travelers.

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It is possible that guests will see continued precautions during their sailing as well, with additional cleaning, modified buffet service, and more reminders for proper hand hygiene.

There have been times, however, when cruise ships have experienced back-to-back or closely related norovirus or other gastrointestinal illness outbreaks. On several recent sailings of Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Sea Bird, a total of 32 guests and crew members reported norovirus.

In 2023, two consecutive sailings of Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas had a combined 302 total cases among passengers and crew members.

According to the CDC, because norovirus is so easily spread through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, an ill individual might inadvertently spread the illness before they even realize they are sick or after they already feel better.

Ruby Princess Passengers Face Boarding Delay Due to Deep Cleaning

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