Hilda No one wants to think about getting sick on their vacation. Unfortunately, just like you can get sick on land during cold and flu season, the same can be true for cruise ships.
One of the most common illnesses to see spreading on cruise ships is norovirus, which is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis. When someone is sick with norovirus, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, and nausea. Because of its highly contagious nature, norovirus can spread quickly on cruise ships due to close confinement.
The disease spreads through infected feces or vomit, often through fresh food or water contaminated with tiny particles. Surfaces and human contact can also be a source of transmission.
Recent norovirus cases on cruise ships
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows nearly 900 cruisers have been sick with norovirus in December. Cases are growing in both frequency and severity for outbreaks on cruise ships throughout the month of December.
One of the most recent outbreaks occurred on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 during its transatlantic crossing. Approximately 13% of passengers onboard fell ill with norovirus, along with 5% of crew members onboard. The outbreak isn’t isolated either. Norovirus cases are surging across the United States with more reported cases this month than prior years.
In addition to Queen Mary 2, Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess reported a norovirus outbreak on its transpacific cruise from Singapore to California earlier this month. Holland America’s Rotterdam and Zuiderdam both experienced norovirus outbreaks in December as well.
Is norovirus common on cruise ships?
On average, around 2,500 reported outbreaks of norovirus in the United States. However, the first week of December already showed 91 outbreaks of norovirus in the country, which is an increase from 65 outbreaks in the last week of November. These numbers are higher than in previous years in terms of norovirus spread.
Although cases might be higher in 2024, it’s not uncommon to see norovirus spreading this time of year with the holidays. With people traveling and gathering more frequently in the winter, illnesses like norovirus can spread easily.
“Norovirus can be especially challenging to control on cruise ships because of the close living quarters, shared dining areas, and rapid turnover of passengers. When the ship docks, norovirus can be brought on board in contaminated food or water; or by passengers who were infected while ashore,” states the CDC on its website. Repeated outbreaks can occur on cruise ships due to infected crew members or environmental contamination. Because norovirus can persist on surfaces for days or weeks and is resistant to many common disinfectants, the illness can be difficult to contain on cruise ships.
Moreover, the CDC website states how norovirus is the cause for 90% of outbreaks of diarrheal disease on cruise ships. Unfortunately, these outbreaks often draw media attention. For this reason, many people consider norovirus as a “cruise ship virus” even though the illness can spread easily on land.
In fact, the CDC states norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships only account for a minuscule percentage (1%) of reported norovirus outbreaks. Nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and jails are more common sources of norovirus.
Keep in mind that only 300 cases of the illness have been reported on all cruise ships in December. Thousands of cruise passengers hit the high seas each day on various cruise ships, so it’s unlikely you will get sick with norovirus during your cruise. However, it’s always a good idea to have proper hygiene, especially while cruising. Wash your hands often, especially while in crowded spaces like the ship’s buffet. Refrain from touching your face and stay in your cabin if you think you might be sick to reduce the spread.
