The CDC reported multiple norovirus outbreaks in December alone.
Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported as many as seven gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships. The causative agent for six of them was norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug. In fact, 2024 was the worst year in a decade for outbreaks of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses.
According to the CDC, there were 18 outbreaks on cruise liners in 2024. All but four were cases of norovirus—two causative agents are unknown, while the other two are salmonella and E. coli. Although norovirus can also occur on land, outbreaks are more frequently reported on cruise ships because living in close quarters increases the chances of contracting it. Those who get sick from this virus may experience diarrhea or vomiting and may also become dehydrated. Symptoms last for a couple of days, and it can spread quickly through direct contact with someone who is sick, eating contaminated food, or touching contaminated surfaces.
Related: Norovirus Outbreaks Hit Two Cruise Ships, Plus Germany and California
Hundreds of revelers were affected in December while cruising on Cunard Line, Holland America, and Princess Cruises’ ships. The CDC considers it an outbreak if 3% of the passengers and crew are affected by the illness. Last month, three of Holland America’s ships—Zuiderdam, Rotterdam, and Eurodam—suffered a norovirus outbreak.
Interestingly, Zuiderdam received a score of 100 out of 100 from the CDC in August. However, the outbreak was reported on December 11, when 87 passengers (of 1,923) and 4 crew members (of 757) reported symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. On the cruise ship Rotterdam, 127 passengers and 16 crew members fell ill, while Eurodam reported sickness among 86 passengers and 8 crew members. In all three cases, the ships were disinfected, and affected passengers were isolated.
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The CDC actively tracks and scores cruise ships for infections through the Vessel Sanitation Program. Ships are given ratings, with 86 or higher being a satisfactory score. The Zuiderdam received a perfect 100 score in its last inspection in August. However, the outbreak was reported on December 11, when 87 passengers (of 1,923) and four crew members (of 757) reported symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. On the cruise ship Rotterdam, 127 passengers and 16 crew members fell ill, while Eurodam reported sickness among 86 passengers and 8 crew members. In all three cases, the ships were disinfected, and affected passengers were isolated. The Rotterdam received a 97 score in November and the Eurodam a 99 in June.
Cruising Safely
While the last year may have been challenging for some cruises, the CDC also awarded multiple perfect sanitation scores to ships. These included Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Grandeur, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape, and Holland America’s Koningsdam and Zuiderdam.
The CDC conducts surprise inspections of cruises twice a year. Inspectors check various aspects of sanitation and hygiene, including potable water systems, galleys and dining rooms, housekeeping, swimming pools, pest and insect management, heating and ventilation, child activity centers, and medical centers.
A ship fails the inspection if it scores below 85 and is required to correct violations before the next inspection. However, the agency only inspects cruises that fall within its jurisdiction, meaning it sails into a U.S. port, has more than 13 passengers, and a sails foreign itinerary. If a cruise operates outside of the country for an extended period, it is inspected once it returns.
To maintain healthy conditions aboard a cruise, the CDC recommends that passengers report if they are sick. They also recommend passengers wash their hands regularly, keep hydrated, and rest well to stay healthy on a cruise. If a passenger notices someone getting sick, the CDC advises people to leave the area and inform the crew.
Related: Can You Love to Cruise and Still Call Yourself an Environmentalist?
