Royal Caribbean has issued a health advisory to guests scheduled to sail aboard the Symphony of the Seas on April 30, following news that a guest on a previous voyage was later diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.

In a letter sent directly to guests booked on the upcoming nine-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, the cruise line said that the safety and health of passengers remains its highest priority. The notice follows guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which notified the cruise line of the case.

“While they are unsure where the guest was exposed, a individual who recently sailed on Symphony of the Seas was later diagnosed with Legionella,” the letter reads. “As a precautionary measure, we implemented heightened sanitation protocols and followed all CDC guidance.”

Royal Caribbean clarified that Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person. Instead, it is contracted by inhaling small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, commonly found in both natural and man-made water sources—such as lakes, fountains, hot tubs, or even municipal water systems.

The cruise line did not specify whether the bacteria may have been contracted onboard or at any of the ports visited during the previous sailing. It noted that the source of exposure remains unknown.
The company has since reinforced its sanitation efforts aboard the Symphony of the Seas.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. Common symptoms include:
•    Persistent cough
•    Shortness of breath
•    Fever
•    Muscle aches
•    Headaches

“Most healthy individuals exposed to Legionella do not develop illness,” Royal Caribbean stated. “If you experience these symptoms and have concerns, please contact your medical provider.”
The CDC recommends that any person concerned about potential exposure consult local health authorities or visit cdc.gov/legionella for more information.