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Cruise Passengers File Lawsuit Against Royal Caribbean Over Alaska Salmonella Outbreak

Two Canadian cruise passengers have filed separate lawsuits against Royal Caribbean Group, alleging negligence after a salmonella outbreak aboard Radiance of the Seas during a 2024 Alaska sailing.Passengers Allege Medical Negligence and Mishandling of OutbreakTierny Patterson and Nicole Singh submitted civil claims to the British Columbia Supreme Court, each detailing similar experiences of severe illness while on board the September 2024 cruise. The seven-night voyage, which marked the end of Royal Caribbean’s Alaska season, carried 2,172 passengers.Singh’s claim accuses the cruise line of failing to provide adequate medical care. She reported being isolated in her cabin and labeled a “biohazard” without receiving proper treatment. Patterson experienced diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration, later confirmed by testing to be salmonella-related. She sought medical attention only after disembarking in Vancouver.A subsequent investigation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the outbreak was caused by salmonella bacteria, affecting over 8% of passengers, along with three crew members.Royal Caribbean Responds, but Concerns RemainRoyal Caribbean stated that it took swift action to contain the outbreak, implementing enhanced cleaning protocols and isolating symptomatic guests. However, several passengers later told Cruise Radio that many sick travelers avoided the onboard medical center due to concerns over treatment costs.One anonymous tip noted, “Many people did not go to the medical center onboard because they were afraid of the cost.”Rare Cruise Illness Raises Red FlagsWhile norovirus outbreaks are relatively common in the cruise industry, salmonella cases remain rare. Between 2019 and 2023, only one salmonella outbreak was reported to the CDC, making this incident a notable exception.Both plaintiffs are seeking compensation for financial losses and pain and suffering, alleging the cruise line failed to uphold its duty of care to passengers.

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