Norovirus outbreaks are experiencing a surge as cruise lines battle to contain rising cases. Tips on how to stay safe and healthy on your cruise.
Norovirus outbreaks accounted for 12 of the 18 cruise ship outbreaks reported from January to mid-July 2025. That’s double the number of norovirus outbreaks during the same period last year, when only 6 cases were reported. This is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2025 report on cruise ship outbreaks.
The Navigator of the Seas carrying 3,914 guests is the latest ship to be hit by a health outbreak. Although the CDC listed the causative agent as unknown, over 134 guests and 7 crew members fell ill with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The ship was on a week-long round-trip cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico, which ended July 11.
The number of sick passengers may be low, but the illness can spread fast if not contained quickly especially with thousands of passengers onboard. The virus spreads easily through contaminated food, drinks, or surfaces.
The Cruise Ship Virus
The CDC notes that controlling norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships is especially difficult due to close living quarters, shared dining facilities, and the frequent turnover of passengers.
As the CDC states on its website:
“Norovirus is the most frequent (over 90%) cause of outbreaks of diarrheal disease on cruise ships.”
This has led to the nickname: “the cruise ship virus.”
Why the Surge in Norovirus Outbreaks?
- Weakened population immunity: Increased social gathering post-COVID 19 coupled with waning immunity making the population more susceptible. Immunity to norovirus strains tend to last only a few months to a couple of years. It depends on the strain and the individual’s immune response. Seniors and young children and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to the infection.
- Mutating virus strains: Like influenza, the constant changing viral strains, pose a challenge for the healthcare systems and outbreak prevention.
- Improved detection and reporting methods: Better surveillance system now provide more accurate data, helping health officials to respond more effectively.
Related: Cleanest Cruise Lines: Navigating Hygiene at Sea in 2025
Good News for Travellers
Only a small percentage (1%) of all reported norovirus outbreaks occur on cruise ships, according to CDC. Cruise lines are quick to respond to outbreaks, thanks to established protocols developed from frequent experience. These measures include:
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfection, along with isolation of sick passengers and crew.
- Ongoing monitoring and reporting of cases to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).
- Docking the ship for deep cleaning and disinfection in severe cases.
- Onboard prevention programs, such as handwashing stations, hygiene promotion, and pre-boarding symptom screening.
How to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Cruise
Cruising is meant to be fun and relaxing, but falling ill can quickly ruin your vacation. While you cannot control other guests’ hygiene, you can take steps to protect yourself. The CDC recommends the following tips:
- Report to the doctor immediately if you are sick. Keep hydrated and get lots of rest.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water as hand sanitizer alone is not effective against norovirus. Do so often especially before eating, smoking or after a washroom visit.
- Leave the area if you see someone vomiting or having diarrhea. Norovirus can also be transmitted through airborne droplets, especially when someone throws up.
For more tips for healthy cruising, click here.
Safe and Happy Cruising!
