Covid

Question

Howz the Covid and norovirus situation ? I have an immunocompromised son and we have plans to take southbound Coral princess cruise in July .

Answer

Short answer: COVID-19 and norovirus are both still circulating and cruise ships remain a setting where gastrointestinal (norovirus) outbreaks and respiratory virus transmission (including COVID-19) occur from time to time. There were multiple norovirus outbreaks reported on Coral Princess and other cruise ships in 2025, and Alaska/state surveillance shows SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate (with local intensity varying by time and place). If your son is immunocompromised, take layered precautions — vaccination/antivirals as recommended by his clinician, high-quality masks in crowded indoor areas, strong hand-hygiene, and a plan for rapid care/isolation if he becomes ill.

What’s been happening recently (why I say “still circulating”): the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program has documented multiple gastrointestinal (norovirus) outbreaks on cruise ships in 2025, including reported events on Coral Princess earlier in the year. At the same time, state and federal surveillance (Alaska Department of Health respiratory virus snapshots, CDC wastewater and other COVID trackers) continue to show SARS-CoV-2 activity — levels fluctuate seasonally and by locality. That means both risks exist; cruise ships can amplify spread because people are in close quarters.

What that means for an immunocompromised traveler (practical implications):

Even when overall community levels are moderate, an enclosed ship environment can raise the chance of exposure to norovirus or respiratory viruses like COVID-19.
Norovirus causes vomiting/diarrhea and spreads very easily by person-to-person contact and contaminated surfaces/food; alcohol hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus than thorough handwashing with soap and water.
An immunocompromised person may have higher risk of more severe illness from COVID-19 and may shed virus longer — discuss pre-trip medical prevention (vaccines/boosters, any recommended antivirals, and what to do if exposed) with his clinician.

Concrete protective steps you can take before and during the cruise:

Medical check + provider plan: Ask your son’s specialist/primary care provider for written advice: up-to-date COVID vaccination/booster recommendations for immunocompromised patients, whether pre-exposure prophylaxis or a preventive antiviral is appropriate, and a clear action plan if he develops symptoms (who to call, what meds to bring). (This is the single most important step.)
Vaccination & preventative meds: Make sure he’s up to date on COVID vaccines/boosters recommended for immunocompromised persons. Ask about eligibility for preventive monoclonal antibodies (if available at the time of travel) or early antiviral treatment prescriptions to have on hand for immediate medical follow-up.
Masks: Pack high-quality, well-fitting respirator masks (N95 / KN95 / KF94). Use them in crowded indoor spaces (shows, indoor dining lines, lounges) and during spikes in community levels.
Hand hygiene & surface caution: Emphasize frequent hand-washing with soap and water (especially after restroom use and before eating). Avoid touching the face. Be cautious with buffets and self-serve stations — consider asking staff to plate food for you or choose served meals. Norovirus is often spread in food/self-service settings on ships.
Pre-trip testing & screening: Consider a rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 right before boarding (and carry tests to use if any symptoms appear). Be aware that testing does not prevent norovirus.
Cabin choices & isolation plan: Choose a cabin with good ventilation when possible and confirm what the cruise line’s medical/isolation policy is for passengers who become ill. Have a plan for where the sick person will isolate and how the rest of your party will be cared for. Check Princess Cruises’ current pre-cruise and onboard health guidance and their procedures for illness reporting.
Medications & supplies: Bring a supply of any necessary prescription meds, antipyretics/analgesics, oral rehydration solution (to treat norovirus dehydration risk), antiemetic if your doctor recommends, and a small first-aid kit. Consider packing extra masks and surface-cleaning wipes (note: follow ship rules for what you can bring aboard).
Travel insurance & medical evacuation: Buy travel insurance that covers medical care and possible trip interruption or evacuation — verify coverage details for cruise trips to Alaska.
Onboard behavior if someone is sick: If your son (or anyone) develops vomiting/diarrhea or respiratory symptoms, notify ship medical staff immediately, stay isolated as instructed, and follow their guidance. Cruise lines implement intensified cleaning and isolation when outbreaks occur, and the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program publishes outbreak reports.

Options you might consider (weighing risk tolerance):

Proceed with careful precautions: follow the steps above (medical clearance, up-to-date vaccination, masks, hygiene, pre-boarding testing, insurance). This is a common approach for people who accept some residual risk but want to reduce it.
Change trip format: Consider a smaller ship, land-based Alaska options (train + lodges / guided tours) or a private charter where you can control exposure more tightly, if that reduces your son’s risk to an acceptable level.
Postpone or rebook: If your son’s clinician advises against cruising given his immune status (or if local outbreak reports shortly before departure show high activity on the specific ship/itinerary), postpone or rebook for a time with lower community transmission. Check Princess Cruises’ cancellation and rebooking policy.

What to check immediately before departure (timeline checklist):

Check current ship status and recent outbreak reports (CDC Vessel Sanitation Program publishes cruise outbreak reports by ship and voyage). If the same ship shows a recent norovirus outbreak close to your sailing, factor that into your decision.
Check Alaska Department of Health respiratory virus snapshot and local hospital/health advisories for ports you’ll visit to understand current COVID activity.
Confirm Princess Cruises’ current health protocols (boarding requirements, testing, isolation, onboard medical capabilities).
Have a rapid antigen test available and know how to reach your healthcare provider while traveling.

Final note — clinically important: because your son is immunocompromised, the single best next step is to speak with his treating clinician now (not just generic online guidance) to get individualized advice about vaccinations, whether a preventive therapy is appropriate, and specific instructions for what to do if he becomes symptomatic while on the cruise. The clinician can also advise whether travel (and cruising specifically) is recommended given his condition and the time of year.

Covid

More Alaska (AK) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions