The CDC has already issued 16 notifications in 2025. This is more than the yearly totals of 2024 and 2023. It’s not that travelers shouldn’t go on cruises. But they should be aware of best practices. The CDC has some advice.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cruise ship passengers are at a higher risk of getting sick on board their vessel.
In 2025, 16 separate outbreaks have met the CDC’s criteria to notify the public. Ten of the 13 outbreaks were caused by norovirus. Some 150 passengers and crew members were infected with norovirus. most recent reported outbreak Holland America Line’s Eurodam.
A CDC spokesperson said that “in the 2024-2025 seasons, a new norovirus strain (GII.17), became dominant.” Travel + Leisure. “In years where there is a strain of virus new, norovirus illnesses can increase.”
This number is high compared to the previous years: 2024 had 18 outbreaks, and 2023 had 14.
The spokesperson of the CDC stated that there were about 2,500 norovirus cases reported each year in the United States. “Noroviruses outbreaks are common throughout the year. However, they’re most prevalent from November to April.” Infected people are the main cause of most outbreaks. They spread the virus by direct contact, such as when they care for others, share food with them, or use utensils.
The enclosed spaces of cruise ships can make them more susceptible to norovirus. This is because they bring many people together in a new setting that could create the risk for an illness to spread from person-to-person.
“Norovirus outbreaks are common and spread rapidly, especially in enclosed or crowded areas such as cruise ships. Norovirus is able to persist on surfaces and spread via food, water, or viral droplets. However, the most common way of transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected individual.
In order to stop the spread of norovirus, and other gastrointestinal illness (also called AGE or acute gastritis), the CDC suggests that you report any illness as soon as possible. Reporting gastrointestinal illnesses is very important. By reporting GI illnesses to the medical center aboard, passengers and crew can help detect outbreaks quickly. “This allows measures to be taken to reduce the spread of disease,” states the CDC’s website.
The CDC recommends that you wash your hands frequently (especially before eating or after using the toilet) and avoid people who have symptoms. “Infection-control measures, including thorough handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting with bleach surfaces, and patient isolation, are the most effective ways to prevent norovirus, according to a CDC spokesperson.
Vessel Sanitation Program of the CDC tracks outbreaks. The VSP has been impacted recently by staff cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services. However, tracking of illnesses aboard cruise ships continues.
