On May 22, 2025, the cruise ship Enchanted Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, was denied docking at Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to a significant outbreak of gastrointestinal illness onboard. The vessel, carrying over 3,000 passengers, was on the final leg of its 7-night Caribbean itinerary, which included stops at Princess Cays, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
The decision to deny entry came after the ship submitted its Maritime Health Declaration on May 21, reporting approximately 50 cases of illness, including acute respiratory symptoms, influenza, and gastroenteritis. Health officials in Turks and Caicos conducted a public health risk assessment under the International Health Regulations and concluded that allowing the ship to dock posed a significant risk to the local population.
Passengers onboard expressed mixed reactions to the news. While some were disappointed about missing the final port of call, others understood the precautionary measures taken to protect public health. In response to the outbreak, the ship’s crew implemented enhanced sanitation protocols, including suspending self-service at buffet stations and enforcing strict handwashing measures
