The cruise industry is experiencing a surge in gastrointestinal outbreaks, with 37.1 million passengers expected to set sail in 2025, according to industry body Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). However, the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that 2024 was the worst year for cruise ship-based gastrointestinal outbreaks in over a decade.
The majority of these outbreaks were associated with the highly contagious norovirus. In December alone, five cruise ships were struck with the virus, infecting hundreds of passengers on Cunard Line, Holland America, and Princess Cruises’ vessels. The CDC defines an outbreak as any time 3% or more of the ship’s passengers and crew presented gastrointestinal symptoms to medical staff.
Norovirus is notorious for its contagious nature, spreading easily in environments where people are in close proximity. Dr. William Schaffner, a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, notes that norovirus is “known obviously as the cruise ship virus.” The virus can infect individuals with very few viral particles and persist on environmental surfaces for days or even weeks.
This season’s outbreak is more severe than average, both on land and at sea. Industry organization Cruise Lines International Association stated that incidents of illness onboard cruise ships are extremely rare. However, the CDC reports that outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship due to reporting protocols.
In 2024, there were 16 gastrointestinal cruise outbreaks across the US, the highest in over a decade. In comparison, 2023 saw a total of 14 reported outbreaks. While the industry is experiencing higher numbers of outbreaks than before the pandemic, it’s unclear if this represents a new trend.
The CDC recommends that passengers who present stomach bug symptoms report their illness promptly and follow medical staff recommendations. They also advise practicing good hand hygiene, washing hands often, especially after using the toilet and before eating or drinking.
Despite cruise companies’ efforts to control outbreaks, infectious disease expert Schaffner notes that norovirus can still spread beyond barriers and interventions. He advises prospective cruise passengers to stay home if they’re feeling ill, pay attention to hygienic instructions on the ship, and prioritize hand hygiene with soap and water instead of using hand wipes or lotions containing alcohol.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/03/travel/cruise-ships-worst-year-stomach-bugs-cdc-data/index.html