Are cruise lines battling norovirus?

In 2023, a decade-high number of cruise ships have reported an unwelcome passenger on board: norovirus. Outbreaks of the stomach bug have surged on cruise ships this year, reaching the highest levels seen in 10 years.



People Also Ask

There have already been an unlucky 13 recorded norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships under U.S. jurisdiction so far in 2023. That's the highest tally in 10-years, ever since 16 such outbreaks occurred in 2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program.

MORE DETAILS

Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. In May, two outbreaks were reported on voyages led by Celebrity Cruises and Holland America. In March, Celebrity Cruises reported two norovirus outbreaks, as did Royal Caribbean International and Princess Cruises.

MORE DETAILS

Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships surge after years of decline. Halfway through the year, there are already more confirmed outbreaks in 2023 than there have been since 2012. Data for 2023 is through the end of June.

MORE DETAILS

Royal Caribbean has cancelled a second Radiance of the Seas cruise due to continued propulsion issues and needed repairs. Royal Caribbean International has begun reaching out to guests booked on the September 8, 2023 departure of Radiance of the Seas with the news that the sailing has to be cancelled.

MORE DETAILS

Top 3 Tips on How to Avoid Norovirus on a Cruise Ship
  1. Wash Your Hands Frequently. The most important thing that you can do to avoid Norovirus on a cruise ship is to wash and sanitize your hands as frequently as possible! ...
  2. Make Sure Food is Protected. ...
  3. Keep Your Immune System Strong.


MORE DETAILS

Respiratory Illnesses. Respiratory illnesses are the most common medical complaint on cruise ships.

MORE DETAILS

How Common is it to Get Sick on a Cruise? 15% of people have reported feeling seasick while onboard. In our experience we can add an other 10% of passengers that will suffer from other illness, such as colds, flu and hangovers.

MORE DETAILS

More than 300 sickened on Ruby Princess cruise ship, CDC says. Hundreds of passengers and crew members fell ill while on board a Princess Cruises ship, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. In total, 284 of 2,881 passengers on the Ruby Princess reported being sick during the voyage between Feb.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, all big mainstream oceangoing cruise ships have trained medical staff on board, usually a combination of doctors and nurses. Many cruise lines increased the number of medical professionals on their ships following the onset of COVID-19.

MORE DETAILS

For 2023, the passenger capacity is forecast to grow another 18 percent, with the full fleet sailing, plus new ships entering service, offset by the retirement of older ships and some brands that ceased service during the pandemic.

MORE DETAILS

If any of our guests or crew members ever feel unwell during their sailing, they can be immediately evaluated by medical staff, with an in-stateroom visit or by video tele-consultation. A multitude of evaluative tests can be conducted right onboard in our medical lab.

MORE DETAILS