"Independence of the Seas is currently on a 5-night Caribbean cruise, which departed Port Everglades, Florida on December 11," Royal Caribbean said in a statement Friday to ABC News. "Over the week, 220 cases of gastro-intestinal illness were reported‐ representing 4.86 percent of the 5,547 guests and crew onboard."
The Miami-based cruise line continued in its statement, "Those affected by the short-lived illness were treated by our ship’s doctors with over-the-counter medication, and we hope all our guests feel better quickly. Meanwhile, we’re taking steps like intensive sanitary procedures to minimize the risk of any further issues. The ship will also undergo special additional cleaning procedures before it departs on its next cruise."