Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships Are Causing Passenger Distress

Data from the Center for Disease Control reports that norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships continue to cause passenger distress.

According to the CDC, nearly 900 people aboard five different cruise ships were sickened from gastrointestinal disease in December, all of which were caused by norovirus, according to the agency. This outbreak came amid an escalation in both the frequency and severity of the virus.

The most recent incident involved the British ocean liner Queen Mary 2. During a cruise that left on Dec. 21, 2024, and will return on Jan. 3, 2025, the number of passengers who reported being ill during the voyage out of a total number of passengers onboard was 326 of 2,565. This is around 12.7% of all passengers. Subsequently, the number of crew members who reported being ill during the voyage was 65 of 1,233, or 5.27%.

Throughout 2024, norovirus outbreaks caused passenger distress. Cruisers on the Cunard Line fell ill as well as passengers on Holland America, Princess, P&O, and Celebrity Cruises.

How Common Is It To Get Norovirus on a Cruise Ship?

Norovirus outbreaks surging across the US: CDC data https://t.co/zx2hQeAL2K

— The Hill (@thehill) December 31, 2024

Per the CDC, it is quite common to get norovirus on a cruise ship. “Norovirus is a very contagious virus. Close living quarters may increase the amount of group contact. People joining the ship may bring the virus to other passengers and crew. Additionally, health officials track illness on cruise ships. So outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land,” the CDC’s website states.

The illness is commonly reported to the medical center on a cruise ship. That is one way to keep track of whether there is an outbreak on board.

When guests report that they are ill aboard a cruise, medical staff evaluate symptoms to see if they meet the CDC definitions for norovirus. These include three or more loose stools within 24 hours or what is more than normal for that person. Other symptoms include vomiting along with one of the following symptoms: diarrhea, muscle aches, headache, abdominal cramps, or fever.