Latest news with #Eurodam
Time Out
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time Out
Norovirus cases are surging on cruises—here's how to stay safe
If you're planning a cruise this summer, you'll have to worry about more than just auto-gratuity increases: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant uptick in gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships in 2025. So far, 16 outbreaks have been reported—10 of them caused by norovirus. That's the highly contagious bug that can turn your dream vacation into a queasy nightmare. In the most recent outbreak, more than 150 passengers and crew aboard Holland America Line's Eurodam fell ill. And with the year not even halfway through, 2025 is already trending worse than 2024, which saw 18 outbreaks in total. Why are cruise ships such hotspots? Tight quarters, shared buffets and lots of contact with new people. Cruises are one big petri dish for norovirus. The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), despite recent staffing cuts, is still tracking outbreaks and encouraging transparency from cruise lines. The CDC says you can still cruise, but offers tips for protecting yourself. Start with the basics: wash your hands. A lot. Before eating, after using the restroom and anytime you touch shared surfaces. Hand sanitizer is helpful, but soap and water are your best defense. If you're feeling sick, report it to the ship's medical center right away. Early detection helps staff contain outbreaks before they spread. And don't be shy about steering clear of passengers who seem under the weather—social distancing isn't just for pandemics. Finally, disinfect your cabin's high-touch surfaces with bleach-based wipes, and skip the buffet if it looks suspect. Norovirus may be a more common part of cruise life this summer, but with a little vigilance, you can make sure you enjoy smooth sailing.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why cruise ships are battling so many norovirus outbreaks
Pam Feinstein's cruise was different than usual even before she boarded. Princess Cruises delayed boarding of the September voyage to do a deep-clean of the ship, following cases of gastrointestinal illness on its previous voyage, she said. When the 75-year-old embarked for a 12-day European cruise with her family, she noticed crew members aboard the Caribbean Princess ship were serving guests at the buffet, for example, and staff carefully wiped down containers or salt, pepper and sugar – which were only available upon request – between each use. Those measures continued for the first few days. About a day and a half after, she said operations went back to normal. But then, the captain announced there were active cases on board. He advised guests to wash their hands and avoid using public bathrooms, according to Feinstein. '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.' The stricter sanitation protocols returned, along with small tables in front of cabin doors that denoted a quarantined passenger was inside. Even so, she said she 'felt pretty good' about their disinfection measures and she and her family did not get sick. The pandemic changed travel forever: How air travel, cruises are different 5 years later The incident was the first of its kind in a dozen cruises she's taken with Princess. Princess did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Gastrointestinal illness has continued to plague cruise ships in recent months. Less than five months into the year, a steady string of norovirus cases has sickened guests and crew members on cruise ships. There have been 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on those vessels that met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's threshold for public notification so far in 2025. Most recently, there was an outbreak aboard Holland America Line's Eurodam, where more than 60 guests reported abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Twelve of those 16 outbreaks were caused by norovirus. For comparison, there were 18 in all of 2024 and 14 the year prior, with norovirus listed as the causative agent in 15 and 13 of those, respectively. With the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which inspects cruise ships, impacted by recent staffing cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services, public health officials said they continue to track gastrointestinal illnesses at sea. Here's what travelers should know as the industry remains on pace to surpass last year's total well before this year's halfway point. The recent outbreaks represent an increase from before COVID-19 shut down the cruise industry for over a year. There were 10 gastrointestinal outbreaks in 2019, and 11 each in 2018 and 2017, according to CDC records. Norovirus was also the cause in many of those cases. 'While the number of recent cruise ship outbreaks has been higher than in years prior to the pandemic, we do not yet know if this represents a new trend,' the health agency told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 'However, CDC data show a newly dominant strain is currently associated with reported norovirus outbreaks on land. Ships typically follow the pattern of land-based outbreaks, which are higher this norovirus season.' On land, for comparison, there were 2,407 norovirus outbreaks reported between August 1 and April 9 by the 14 states that participate in the NoroSTAT network, the CDC said on its website, up from 1,230 during the same period in the previous seasonal year. The agency also found a 'possible overreliance on hand sanitizer on ships' during a preliminary review. Those are not as effective against norovirus as washing hands with soap and water, the CDC added in the emailed statement. Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) incidence rates aboard cruise ships 'decreased significantly' from 2006 to 2019 among voyages reviewed, according to a 2021 CDC report, declining from 32.5 cases per 100,000 travel days to 16.9. among guests. For crew members, the figure dropped from 13.5 to 5.2. 'Among passengers, AGE incidence rates increased with increasing ship size and voyage length,' the report stated. 'For crew members, rates were significantly higher on extra-large ships (19.8 per 100,000 travel days) compared with small and large ships and on voyages lasting 6–7 days.' The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program will continue, however, as it 'is primarily staffed by USPHS commissioned officers who were not subject to the reduction in force,' an agency spokesperson told USA TODAY earlier this month. Norovirus survival guide: How to get through the stomach flu With passengers and crew in relatively small, confined areas and often eating together, cruise ships are conducive to the spread of norovirus, according to Dr. David J. Weber, the Charles Addison and Elizabeth Ann Sanders Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the UNC School of Medicine. However, only 1% of all norovirus outbreaks reported take place on cruises. 'So, most of them are not occurring on cruise ships, but the cruise ships are a perfect setting for it,' Weber, who is also a professor of epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, told USA TODAY. Other common sites include daycare facilities, hospitals and nursing homes. When an outbreak does occur, cruise lines must activate their prevention and response plans, according to the CDC's website. The ships take steps to control the outbreak, such as increasing cleaning, isolating sick guests and crew, and notifying others on board about the cases. The CDC may also request that cruise lines disinfect cruise terminals and delay the embarkation of the ship's next voyage. The VSP investigates gastrointestinal outbreaks on ships sailing in the U.S. – or within 15 days of their arrival in the country – in which at least 3% of the guests and crew report being ill. 'We may also conduct an outbreak investigation if an unusual gastrointestinal illness pattern or characteristic is found, even if the illness rate is less than 3%,' the CDC's website reads. Investigators may board ships to conduct epidemiological and environmental health assessments. 'For example, if water is suspected as the source of illness, we give more attention to reviewing places on and off the ship where people could have been exposed to contaminated water,' the CDC said. The process could also involve collecting samples, such as vomit or stool, to send to a shoreside laboratory to confirm the causative agent. Cruise Lines International Association, the industry's leading trade group, said illness on cruise ships is 'extremely rare,' and noted that employees follow strict sanitation procedures developed with public health authorities, including the CDC. 'Cruise lines do their part to help ensure a healthy cruise experience and that passengers and crew maintain good hygiene onboard,' the organization said in an email. The CDC recommends frequent hand washing, particularly before eating and drinking, and after using the bathroom. If travelers don't have access to soap and water, Weber said alcohol-based hand sanitizers are 'better than doing nothing.' In the event a guest develops symptoms, he recommended they isolate themselves from others and clean their space with a disinfectant. Cruise guests should also 'promptly' report illness to the ship's medical staff and follow their guidance, according to the CDC. As for what appears to be a high outbreak rate this year, Weber also noted that people may be more relaxed about hand hygiene and surface disinfection than during the pandemic, but that it's ultimately 'hard to say.' 'Things go in cycles.' This story was updated to add new information. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Norovirus is making waves on cruises, and travelers are feeling it
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Norovirus Outbreaks Surge on Cruise Ships—Here's How the CDC Says Passengers Should Protect Themselves
Thus far in 2025, the CDC has issued notifications on 16 separate cruise outbreaks, outpacing the yearly totals from 2024 and 2023. That's not to say travelers should not go on cruises, but they should stay aware of the best practices. Here's what the CDC ship passengers should be aware of a heightened risk of illness on their vessels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There have been 16 separate outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on board cruise ships that met the CDC's criteria for public notification thus far in 2025. Of the 13 outbreak, 10 were norovirus. Some 150 passengers crew members fell ill with norovirus during the most recent reported outbreak aboard Holland America Line's Eurodam. 'In the 2024-2025 season, a new strain of norovirus (GII.17) became predominant,' a CDC spokesperson told Travel + Leisure. 'In years when there is a new strain of the virus, there can be increased norovirus illness.' Compared to previous years, that number is already high: 2024 saw 18 outbreaks total, while 2023 saw 14. 'Each year, there are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the United States," the CDC spokesperson said. 'Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April. Most outbreaks occur when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact (such as caring for them, sharing food, or eating utensils with them).' Cruise ships are particularly susceptible to norovirus, due to the closed quarters that brings together many people in a new environment that can create person-to-person risks for illness to spread. 'Norovirus outbreaks can happen anywhere and can spread quickly, particularly in enclosed or crowded environments such as cruise ships. Norovirus can also persist on surfaces for extended periods and can be transmitted via food, water or viral droplets on surfaces, but the most common mode of transmission is through direct contact with infected individuals,' the CDC spokesperson told T+L. To prevent the spread of norovirus or other gastrointestinal illnesses (referred to as AGE, or acute gastroenteritis) on cruise ships, the CDC recommends quickly reporting any illness. 'Reporting gastrointestinal illness is important. When passengers and crew tell the medical center onboard about their symptoms, it helps GI illness outbreaks get detected quickly. This allows steps to be taken to limit the spread of illness,' the CDC website states. The CDC also advises washing your hands often (particularly before eating and after using the bathroom), and avoiding people with symptoms. "Infection control measures, such as thorough hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with bleach, and patient isolation are the best ways to prevent norovirus and keep it from spreading to others,' the CDC spokesperson noted. Outbreaks are tracked by the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). Recently, the the VSP was impacted by government staffing cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services, but tracking illnesses on board cruise ships continues. Related | CDC Cuts Impacted Cruise Ship Health Inspectors—Here's What It Means for Travelers | Learn More Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nearly 150 cruise guests, crew sick with gastrointestinal illness on 3 ships
About 150 passengers and crew members got sick with gastrointestinal illness on three cruise ships. Among the 2,038 guests on Holland America Line's Eurodam ship, 64 reported being ill during its current voyage, along with a dozen crew members, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Their main symptoms were vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which were caused by norovirus. The ship departed from Fort Lauderdale on April 12, according to CruiseMapper. Holland America told USA TODAY that the cases were "mostly mild and quickly resolved." "We initiated enhanced sanitation protocols in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to minimize further transmission, including continuous disinfection of the ship," the cruise line said in an emailed statement. Why cruise ships are battling a so many norovirus outbreaks Fifty-five of the 1,149 guests aboard the line's Zuiderdam ship also got sick during its current cruise, in addition to 14 crew, with their main symptom being diarrhea. The causative agent remains unknown, according to the CDC. The CDC listed the voyage dates as Jan. 4 through May 9. The ship is currently sailing the line's 2025 Grand World Voyage. A gastrointestinal issue was also identified aboard Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Sea Lion ship. Two of its 43 guests and one crew member reported being sick with symptoms including fever, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the health agency, though the causative agent also remains unknown. The ship is currently sailing in Alaska, per CruiseMapper. All three vessels implemented heightened sanitation procedures and isolated sick guests and crew, among other measures, the CDC said. Lindblad did not immediately share a comment on the cases before publishing. There have been 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruises that met the CDC's threshold for public notification in 2025, most of which were caused by norovirus. There were 18 outbreaks in all of 2024, and 14 the year prior. 'While the number of recent cruise ship outbreaks has been higher than in years prior to the pandemic, we do not yet know if this represents a new trend,' the health agency told USA TODAY in an emailed statement earlier this month. 'However, CDC data show a newly dominant strain is currently associated with reported norovirus outbreaks on land. Ships typically follow the pattern of land-based outbreaks, which are higher this norovirus season.' The illness is often associated with cruises, but those represent just 1% of all outbreaks reported. The agency's Vessel Sanitation Program, which inspects cruise ships and responds to outbreaks, was among the initiatives affected by recent staffing cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services. However, a spokesperson for the CDC previously told USA TODAY the program will continue since 'the VSP is primarily staffed by USPHS commissioned officers who were not subject to the reduction in force.' Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nearly 150 people sick with gastrointestinal illness on 3 cruise ships
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Nearly 150 cruise guests, crew sick with gastrointestinal illness on 3 ships
Nearly 150 cruise guests, crew sick with gastrointestinal illness on 3 ships Show Caption Hide Caption Norovirus: Symptoms and prevention of 'stomach flu' When norovirus cases spike, these are symptoms you should watch out for and measures you can take for prevention. About 150 passengers and crew members got sick with gastrointestinal illness on three cruise ships. Among the 2,038 guests on Holland America Line's Eurodam ship, 64 reported being ill during its current voyage, along with a dozen crew members, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Their main symptoms were vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which were caused by norovirus. The ship departed from Fort Lauderdale on April 12, according to CruiseMapper. Holland America told USA TODAY that the cases were "mostly mild and quickly resolved." "We initiated enhanced sanitation protocols in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to minimize further transmission, including continuous disinfection of the ship," the cruise line said in an emailed statement. Why cruise ships are battling a so many norovirus outbreaks Fifty-five of the 1,149 guests aboard the line's Zuiderdam ship also got sick during its current cruise, in addition to 14 crew, with their main symptom being diarrhea. The causative agent remains unknown, according to the CDC. The CDC listed the voyage dates as Jan. 4 through May 9. The ship is currently sailing the line's 2025 Grand World Voyage. A gastrointestinal issue was also identified aboard Lindblad Expeditions' National Geographic Sea Lion ship. Two of its 43 guests and one crew member reported being sick with symptoms including fever, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the health agency, though the causative agent also remains unknown. The ship is currently sailing in Alaska, per CruiseMapper. All three vessels implemented heightened sanitation procedures and isolated sick guests and crew, among other measures, the CDC said. Lindblad did not immediately share a comment on the cases before publishing. There have been 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruises that met the CDC's threshold for public notification in 2025, most of which were caused by norovirus. There were 18 outbreaks in all of 2024, and 14 the year prior. 'While the number of recent cruise ship outbreaks has been higher than in years prior to the pandemic, we do not yet know if this represents a new trend,' the health agency told USA TODAY in an emailed statement earlier this month. 'However, CDC data show a newly dominant strain is currently associated with reported norovirus outbreaks on land. Ships typically follow the pattern of land-based outbreaks, which are higher this norovirus season.' The illness is often associated with cruises, but those represent just 1% of all outbreaks reported. The agency's Vessel Sanitation Program, which inspects cruise ships and responds to outbreaks, was among the initiatives affected by recent staffing cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services. However, a spokesperson for the CDC previously told USA TODAY the program will continue since 'the VSP is primarily staffed by USPHS commissioned officers who were not subject to the reduction in force.' Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
