Royal Caribbean Addresses Legionella Concerns on Symphony

Royal Caribbean recently reached out to guests who sailed aboard Symphony of the Seas in October and December 2024 regarding possible exposure to Legionella, a waterborne bacterium that can cause Legionnaires’ disease. While two guests who traveled on separate cruises during this period were later diagnosed with the illness, the cruise line emphasized that the source of the exposure remains uncertain.

What Happened?

In their notification, Royal Caribbean explained, “The CDC [US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has advised that while they are unsure where exposure occurred, two guests who sailed on Symphony of the Seas (one in October and one in December) were later diagnosed with Legionella.”

The exact sailing dates were not disclosed, but in October, Symphony of the Seas was homeported in Cape Liberty, New Jersey, and in December, it departed from Port Miami, Florida.

The cruise line also reassured guests, stating, “While this does not imply or confirm that the exposure occurred onboard our ship, as a precautionary measure, we implemented heightened sanitation protocols and followed all CDC guidance.” These steps included enhanced cleaning and inspection of water sources such as hot tubs and public fountains.

Understanding Legionella on Cruise Ships

Legionella is not spread from person to person but rather through contaminated water, such as hot tubs or shared water systems. Cruise ships, with their enclosed environments, have occasionally seen isolated cases. Notably, other cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, have also faced similar incidents, prompting proactive sanitation measures.

For context, the two diagnosed guests represent an extremely small percentage—just 0.016%—of the approximately 12,000 passengers who sailed during the affected periods.

Health and Safety First

Royal Caribbean remains committed to passenger health and safety. Onboard Symphony of the Seas, the crew provided a written notification to guests to ensure transparency and awareness.

The CDC highlights that most individuals exposed to Legionella do not become ill. Those at higher risk include individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, but antibiotics are highly effective in treatment. The incubation period typically spans 2-14 days, which means exposure may not always correlate with time spent onboard.

Staying Healthy on a Cruise

While no confirmed outbreak has been reported aboard Symphony of the Seas, guests can take steps to prioritize their health during any cruise vacation:

• Frequent Handwashing: Use soap and water or hand sanitizer regularly.
• Stay Hydrated and Rested: Keep your immune system strong by staying well-rested and hydrated.
• Avoid Overindulgence: Enjoy all the culinary delights responsibly to keep your body in top form.

For those with concerns, Royal Caribbean encourages reaching out to a healthcare provider or local health department for guidance.

About Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s iconic Oasis-class ships, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami. Guests enjoy unforgettable visits to private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay while sailing aboard a ship that can accommodate up to 6,680 guests and is home to over 2,200 international crew members.

Plan Your Cruise With Confidence

At Lask Travel Advisors, we’re here to ensure you enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. Whether you’re looking to book your next cruise or have questions about staying healthy while traveling, we’re here to help. Contact us to plan your perfect getaway with expert advice and personalized recommendations.