Guests aboard the Enchanted Princess were enjoying smooth seas and sunny skies—until the final hours of the cruise took an unexpected turn. Just as the ship neared Grand Turk, passengers were informed it had been denied permission to dock.
In this article, we’ll break down what happened, how Princess Cruises responded, and what passengers had to say—both onboard and online.
Grand Turk Says No: Here’s What Really Happened
On May 22, 2025, the Enchanted Princess was denied entry to Grand Turk, the final scheduled stop on its week-long Eastern Caribbean cruise. The ship had departed Fort Lauderdale and was nearing the end of its journey when the news broke.
The decision came after the Turks and Caicos Ministry of Health reviewed a Maritime Health Declaration submitted the day before, which reported 50 cases of illness onboard.
With passengers and crew showing signs of both gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, local health officials deemed the risk too high and acted quickly to prevent potential spread.
The announcement came just 30 minutes before the ship was due to dock. Guests had already packed their beach bags and were looking forward to enjoying the island’s white-sand shores, but instead, the captain informed them over the ship’s PA system that they would not be allowed to disembark.
The Enchanted Princess, which had previously visited Princess Cays, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, instead began a slow return to Fort Lauderdale, extending the voyage with an unexpected sea day.
While some passengers made the most of the extra time onboard, others were frustrated at the sudden change, particularly those who had booked excursions or were eager to visit Grand Turk for the first time.
To ease the sting, Princess Cruises refunded the port fees for Grand Turk. It was a modest but meaningful gesture, as the cruise line worked to reassure guests and uphold its health protocols.
Worried about cleanliness onboard? Check out this CDC list of the dirtiest cruise ships—one even shocked us for being ultra-luxury.
Inside the Outbreak That Derailed the Cruise
The exact cause of the illness onboard the Enchanted Princess hasn’t been officially confirmed, but symptoms strongly suggested a norovirus outbreak. Some passengers also showed flu-like symptoms, adding to the concern.
Fewer than 50 people were affected in total, including only around two crew members. Several passengers had already been isolated and cleared by the time the ship approached Grand Turk.
The first signs of illness began midway through the cruise, with symptoms matching typical acute gastroenteritis—vomiting, diarrhea, and general discomfort. Some passengers also showed signs of respiratory illness, adding to the concern.
Though the number of cases remained limited, the presence of multiple illness types likely made it harder to reassure port authorities. In the end, Grand Turk officials decided not to take any chances and denied the ship entry.
From Sanitation to Refunds—How Princess Responded
As cases increased, Princess Cruises acted quickly to contain the spread. The crew ramped up sanitation protocols, focusing on high-touch areas and enforcing handwashing among guests. Buffet stations were no longer self-serve, and visible efforts were made to reduce contact points throughout the ship.
To further protect future passengers, a full deep clean was scheduled upon return to Fort Lauderdale. This led to a delayed embarkation for the next sailing on May 24, with guests asked to arrive later than planned.
Princess also sent letters reassuring incoming passengers that the outbreak was contained and precautionary steps were in place. In one such message, the cruise line stated: “During the previous voyage, a small number of guests reported gastrointestinal illness. As an extra precaution, the ship will undergo additional disinfection in Fort Lauderdale.”
Cruise Outbreaks Are More Common Than You Think
The situation on the Enchanted Princess wasn’t an isolated event. That same week, similar outbreaks were reported on both the Crown Princess and Costa Favolosa.
On May 18, 2025, the Crown Princess reported a norovirus outbreak, delaying embarkation in Brisbane to allow for deep cleaning. Around the same time, the Costa Favolosa faced a gastrointestinal illness outbreak during a Northern Europe voyage, prompting sanitation measures while docked in Edinburgh.
Unlike land-based resorts, cruise lines are required to report outbreaks more rigorously, which is part of why these incidents often make headlines. Norovirus, in particular, is notoriously resilient and thrives in the close quarters of a cruise ship.
While it’s relatively rare for a cruise ship to be denied entry to a port, it’s not unheard of—especially at destinations like Grand Turk, which is known for its strict health policies. Some seasoned cruisers have even reported being turned away from Grand Turk on multiple cruises.
Cruise contracts typically allow lines to alter itineraries at their discretion, including for public health reasons, which is why travelers are often warned not to book based on a single “must-see” stop.
Cruiser Reactions: Outrage, Empathy & Handwashing Fury
Not surprisingly, many guests took to social media to vent their frustration over the canceled port. For some, Grand Turk was the highlight of the itinerary, and the last-minute denial left them furious. “Grand Turk was the only reason I booked this cruise. I’m selling my Carnival stock,” one passenger fumed.
Another put it bluntly: “So pissed off that they canceled the best port, Turks, because of the amount of sick people!” Others shared similar sentiment, calling the news a “complete letdown” after a week of anticipation.
Still, some passengers were quick to defend the crew and acknowledge their efforts under difficult circumstances. “Our captain tried his best to negotiate, but docking was refused,” one user shared.
Another praised the onboard response: “The staff’s response was amazing… they served the buffet and constantly cleaned.”
Perhaps the loudest voices online came from those fed up with fellow cruisers’ hygiene habits. “Most people have disgusting self hygiene skills and awareness,” one Redditor wrote bluntly. Another chimed in, “I’ve never felt so aware of the general public’s hygiene as on a cruise.”
Tales of passengers skipping handwashing after using the restroom, or handling food with unwashed hands, were shared with a mix of disbelief and disgust. One person summed it up: “Cruise passengers will never learn to wash their hands until ports keep denying entry like this.”
Others added perspective—and a touch of humor—with comments like “Floating petri dishes… I’ll pass,” and “I’ve tried to go to Grand Turk four times and never made it. It’s always something.”
Curious how bad cruise outbreaks can get? Read this CDC-confirmed case where 240+ got sick on a luxury ship.
Stay Clean at Sea: Simple Tips That Go a Long Way
Cruising can be an incredible experience, but staying healthy onboard takes a little extra awareness. The most effective habit? Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water—especially before meals and after using the restroom.
While hand sanitizer is helpful, it’s not a replacement for handwashing, particularly when it comes to norovirus. Try to avoid touching your face in shared spaces, and be mindful of high-touch surfaces like railings, elevator buttons, and buffet utensils. These small habits can go a long way.
If there’s an outbreak of illness on your ship, you may want to take additional precautions. Some cruisers choose to carry disinfectant wipes to clean their cabin’s high-touch areas—things like remote controls, doorknobs, and bathroom handles. Others bring their own straws or utensils, avoid crowded buffet areas, or choose stairs over elevators to reduce contact.
These are just personal tips I’d recommend based on common sense—not medical advice. Always follow the ship’s official guidelines and consult healthcare professionals for any health-related decisions.
If you do start feeling sick while onboard, don’t ignore it. Report your symptoms to the ship’s medical team as soon as possible. Most cruise lines have clear protocols in place for managing illness, including isolating cases and providing medical evaluations—often at no additional cost if it’s related to an outbreak.
Acting early not only helps you recover faster, but also protects your fellow passengers and may prevent the cruise from missing additional ports. When it comes to health at sea, honesty and quick action are key.
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