Vacation or health hazard? 17 cruise ships under scrutiny for disease outbreaks
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Cruises are often marketed as dream vacations, complete with fine dining, turquoise waters, and luxury service.
But for some travelers, these floating resorts became the setting for severe gastrointestinal illness outbreaks.
From Norovirus to E. coli to unexplained symptoms, passengers found themselves battling more than just seasickness. Before you step aboard, here's what the data really shows.
In the last year, 17 cruise ships operated by major lines—including Holland America, Princess Cruises, Viking, Cunard, and Royal Caribbean—were linked to outbreaks affecting both guests and crew.
The most common culprit was Norovirus, a highly contagious pathogen that spreads quickly in confined environments and causes diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
“Norovirus, often referred to as the ‘cruise ship virus’ due to its rapid spread in close quarters, was the most common culprit, cited in 13 of the incidents where 1,568 guests and crew members fell ill,” according to the CDC.
These outbreaks sparked concern about the effectiveness of sanitation and outbreak containment protocols on ships visiting US ports.
Holland America reported six separate outbreaks in 2024 alone, five of which were confirmed Norovirus cases and one of unknown origin.
Ships affected included Eurodam (twice), Rotterdam (twice), Volendam, and Zuiderdam, with a combined total of 658 infected guests and 73 sick crew members.
On the Zuiderdam, 56 out of 1,149 guests and 14 out of 751 crew were affected, with symptoms primarily described as diarrhea.
Despite these incidents, all ships passed CDC inspection standards with scores of 85 or higher out of 100.
Also read: Cruise ship insider reveals secrets: What REALLY goes on in the middle of the ocean!
Other cruise lines faced their own health challenges, with Queen Mary 2, operated by Cunard, reporting 224 sick passengers and 17 crew during a 29-night voyage.
“Nearly nine per cent of the 2,538 passengers onboard the ship have fallen ill, as well as 1.4 per cent of the vessel’s 1,232-person crew,” officials confirmed.
The outbreak began ten days into the journey, which departed from Southampton on March 8 and visited ports in the eastern Caribbean and New York.
The crew enacted increased sanitation and isolation measures under their outbreak response plan.
E. coli was the confirmed cause of illness on Silversea Cruises’ Silver Ray, which reported 51 affected guests and 5 crew members on January 10.
The company quickly implemented isolation procedures and sanitation protocols, including collecting stool samples for testing.
On the National Geographic Sea Lion, nearly 12% of guests fell ill with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, though the cause remains undetermined.
Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Explorer and Sea Cloud Spirit also reported unexplained outbreaks with similar symptoms.
Also read: Nearly 120 people just got sick on a cruise ship—here’s how to avoid being next!
In total, the 17 affected ships include Viking Polaris, Viking Mars, Seabourn Encore, Radiance of the Seas, Coral Princess, and the previously mentioned vessels.
According to the CDC, “Cruise lines, including Holland America, Princess Cruises, Viking and Cunard, have seen multiple vessels impacted by epidemics in recent months.”
The agency’s Vessel Sanitation Program inspects cruise ships for food safety, hygiene, water treatment, and pest control.
While all ships listed still received passing inspection scores, the presence of illness outbreaks suggests compliance doesn’t guarantee outbreak-free travel.
Read next: Red tides no longer a mystery as scientists uncover a surprising source behind Florida’s crimson waves
Have you ever fallen ill on a cruise ship—or avoided one because of the risk? Share your story or advice in the comments and let others know what to watch for before setting sail.
But for some travelers, these floating resorts became the setting for severe gastrointestinal illness outbreaks.
From Norovirus to E. coli to unexplained symptoms, passengers found themselves battling more than just seasickness. Before you step aboard, here's what the data really shows.
In the last year, 17 cruise ships operated by major lines—including Holland America, Princess Cruises, Viking, Cunard, and Royal Caribbean—were linked to outbreaks affecting both guests and crew.
The most common culprit was Norovirus, a highly contagious pathogen that spreads quickly in confined environments and causes diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
“Norovirus, often referred to as the ‘cruise ship virus’ due to its rapid spread in close quarters, was the most common culprit, cited in 13 of the incidents where 1,568 guests and crew members fell ill,” according to the CDC.
These outbreaks sparked concern about the effectiveness of sanitation and outbreak containment protocols on ships visiting US ports.
Holland America reported six separate outbreaks in 2024 alone, five of which were confirmed Norovirus cases and one of unknown origin.
Ships affected included Eurodam (twice), Rotterdam (twice), Volendam, and Zuiderdam, with a combined total of 658 infected guests and 73 sick crew members.
On the Zuiderdam, 56 out of 1,149 guests and 14 out of 751 crew were affected, with symptoms primarily described as diarrhea.
Despite these incidents, all ships passed CDC inspection standards with scores of 85 or higher out of 100.
Also read: Cruise ship insider reveals secrets: What REALLY goes on in the middle of the ocean!
Other cruise lines faced their own health challenges, with Queen Mary 2, operated by Cunard, reporting 224 sick passengers and 17 crew during a 29-night voyage.
“Nearly nine per cent of the 2,538 passengers onboard the ship have fallen ill, as well as 1.4 per cent of the vessel’s 1,232-person crew,” officials confirmed.
The outbreak began ten days into the journey, which departed from Southampton on March 8 and visited ports in the eastern Caribbean and New York.
The crew enacted increased sanitation and isolation measures under their outbreak response plan.
E. coli was the confirmed cause of illness on Silversea Cruises’ Silver Ray, which reported 51 affected guests and 5 crew members on January 10.
The company quickly implemented isolation procedures and sanitation protocols, including collecting stool samples for testing.
On the National Geographic Sea Lion, nearly 12% of guests fell ill with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, though the cause remains undetermined.
Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Explorer and Sea Cloud Spirit also reported unexplained outbreaks with similar symptoms.
Also read: Nearly 120 people just got sick on a cruise ship—here’s how to avoid being next!
In total, the 17 affected ships include Viking Polaris, Viking Mars, Seabourn Encore, Radiance of the Seas, Coral Princess, and the previously mentioned vessels.
According to the CDC, “Cruise lines, including Holland America, Princess Cruises, Viking and Cunard, have seen multiple vessels impacted by epidemics in recent months.”
The agency’s Vessel Sanitation Program inspects cruise ships for food safety, hygiene, water treatment, and pest control.
While all ships listed still received passing inspection scores, the presence of illness outbreaks suggests compliance doesn’t guarantee outbreak-free travel.
Read next: Red tides no longer a mystery as scientists uncover a surprising source behind Florida’s crimson waves
