Reports Find Concerning Trend in Cruise Ship Illnesses
Cruise ship passengers should be wary.
Gastrointestinal illness have run rampant on cruise ships in recent months, with a constant wave of norovirus cases impacting both guests and crew. So far in 2025, there have been 13 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships that met the CDC's public notification threshold, with norovirus responsible for 10 of these cases. This figure already exceeds pre-pandemic levels and is on pace to surpass the 18 outbreaks reported in all of 2024.
The latest occurred aboard the Viking Polaris, where over 30 guests and crew members experienced symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
The growing outbreaks come as the CDC recently laid off all full-time employees in its entire Vessel Sanitation Program as part of federal cost-cutting measures, CBS reported.
In an interview with USA Today, Pam Feinstein, a 75-year old passenger on a recent cruise, explained how she embarked for a 12-day European cruise and was advised to wash her hands and avoid using public restrooms after cases of norovirus appeared onboard the Caribbean Princess ship.
'I'm a little paranoid ... I'll admit,' the Seattle-area resident told USA Today. 'So it's something always in the back of my mind anytime we get on a ship, regardless. So, you know, having the outbreak was kind of a whole different thing.'
As far what passengers can do to prevent the spread of norovirus, the CDC recommends washing your hands, particularly before eating and drinking and after using the bathroom. If a guest develop symptoms, the recommendation is to isolate themselves and disinfect their space thoroughly.
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