B2 – Upper Intermediate
A norovirus outbreak sickened more than 150 passengers and crew aboard the cruise ship Star Princess during a Caribbean voyage. According to health officials, over 100 passengers and dozens of crew members reported symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, with the virus identified as the cause of the illness.
In response, the cruise line implemented strict sanitation measures, including isolating sick individuals and increasing disinfection across the ship. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now investigating the outbreak to help control its spread and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Read the article and know more about the situation/
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “threshold” mean? “So far in 2026, the CDC has recorded two cruise ship outbreaks that met its threshold for public notification.” Use this in a sentence.
- What does “field response” mean? “The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program is conducting a field response that includes an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to help control the outbreak.” Use this term in a sentence.
- What does “outbreak” mean? “A norovirus outbreak sickened more than 150 passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship during a Caribbean voyage.” Use this word in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Share your thoughts and reaction to this norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship.
- What lessons can passengers, cruise companies, and health authorities alike learn from this incident?
- Do you think cruise ships are safe when it comes to disease outbreaks? Why or why not?
- What would you do if you got sick during a cruise like this?
- Would this outbreak stop you from going on a cruise? Explain your answer.