Storm ahead, norovirus on board, Anthem turns for home

Anthem of the Seas

FEBRUARY 29, 2016 — With a severe storm predicted for its planned route, Royal Caribbean’s 4,180 passenger cruise ship Anthem of the Seas is headed back to its home port of Cape Liberty, NJ.  And some of the passengers have experienced norovirus symptoms.

The cruise line, which is facing lawsuits after the ship’s encounter with a storm earlier this month, revealed the decision to curtail the current cruise in a series of tweets:

#AnthemoftheSeas will head back to Cape Liberty immediately to avoid a severe storm & provide guests with a comfortable journey back home.

#AnthemoftheSeas is returning early bc of severe forecast storm. Captain followed our new storm avoidance policy and consulted with experts.

#AnthemoftheSeas sail home has been smooth. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our guests and crew.

Some #AnthemoftheSeas guests have experienced norovirus symptoms. About 10 per day from 6,000 total pop. Didn’t affect decision to return.