Norovirus Outbreaks Surge on Cruise Ships—Here’s How the CDC Says Passengers Should Protect Themselves

Cruise 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.