Is it common to get diarrhea from a cruise ship?

People often associate cruise ships with acute gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus, but acute gastrointestinal illness is relatively infrequent on cruise ships.



While the media often highlights "norovirus" outbreaks on cruise ships, it is statistically uncommon for the average passenger to get diarrhea. According to CDC data from 2025 and early 2026, less than 1% of the millions of people who cruise annually experience a gastrointestinal illness. When outbreaks do occur, they are typically caused by norovirus, which is highly contagious in the "closed environment" of a ship. Cruise lines have implemented extremely rigorous Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) protocols, including frequent hand-sanitizing stations and professional-grade disinfecting of high-touch surfaces. Most cases of "traveler's diarrhea" on a cruise are actually caused by overindulgence in rich foods or contaminated water/food during shore excursions rather than the ship's hygiene. To stay safe, the most effective method is frequent hand-washing with soap and water; hand sanitizer is effective against many bacteria but is less effective against the hardy norovirus. If you do fall ill, you must report it to the ship's medical center immediately to prevent a wider spread.

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If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. In serious cases of travelers' diarrhea, oral rehydration solution—available online or in pharmacies in developing countries—can be used for fluid replacements.

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

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More than 90% of cruise ship gastro outbreaks are caused by norovirus, which is spread from person to person, and through contaminated objects or contaminated food or water. Gastro can also be caused by other pathogens such as bacteria in contaminated food or water.

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Cruise ships are often associated with norovirus because of the enclosed spaces, close living quarters, communal dining and high turnover of passengers, experts note. That said, outbreaks of acute gastrointestinal illnesses are relatively infrequent on cruise ships compared to settings on land, the CDC notes.

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After you return home from a cruise, it's normal to feel like you're still at sea for a short time. You may lay down to sleep or stand in the shower and feel like the floor is moving and your body is swaying, rocking and bobbing. Within a day or so, your land legs likely will return and the symptoms will disappear.

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With mal de debarquement syndrome, though, you can't shake the feeling that you're still on the boat. That's French for “sickness of disembarkment.” You feel like you're rocking or swaying even though you're not. It can happen to anyone, but it's much more common in women ages 30 to 60.

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Traveler's diarrhea
  • Anti-motility agents. These medicines — which include loperamide and drugs containing diphenoxylate — provide prompt but temporary relief by: ...
  • Bismuth subsalicylate. This nonprescription medicine can decrease the frequency of your stools and shorten the length of your illness. ...
  • Antibiotics.


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Cabins at the Front of the Ship This is because the front of the ship is more exposed to the movement of the water as they plough through the rough seas. If you're prone to seasickness, it's best to avoid cabins at the front of the ship.

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“The virus is often associated with cruise travel simply because health officials are required to track illnesses on ships,” Shah said. “The CDC estimates only about 1% of annual U.S. norovirus cases happen on cruise ships.

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Aside from nausea and vomiting, which could also be from seasickness, you might suffer fever, diarrhea and cramps.

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There have been 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships in 2023. Experts note that the highly congested environment, as well as the fact that people have not been exposed to as many illnesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are likely the reason for the increased norovirus numbers.

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If you are wondering how to get rid of land sickness after your voyage, many of the same strategies may help:
  1. Keep moving and taking walks or car rides to provide the missing sensation of movement while you readjust.
  2. Stay hydrated and get enough sleep.


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After motion sickness begins, it usually doesn't start getting better until you stop moving. But, most people who are on a boat for a long trip feel better a few days into the trip when they get used to being on the boat, but some people feel seasick for several days.

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Though not universally recognized, leisure sickness is seen by its proponents as a psychological syndrome affecting people who don't take the time to relax, even over the weekend. It is believed to cause post-travel flu-like symptoms, including body aches, headaches and fatigue.

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Don't let the worry of seasickness stop you from booking a cruise. Many travelers have gone on dozens of voyages and never had an issue. Even if you do experience motion sickness on board, there are plenty of methods to stop that funny feeling in its tracks.

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Or maybe it's norovirus, a contagious virus that often keeps you at the toilet for several days. Some people know it as the “cruise ship virus” because it's often the cause of over 90% of diarrhea outbreaks on cruise ships, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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How can you avoid catching gastro on cruise ships?
  1. wash your hands well and frequently, especially before eating.
  2. don't rely on hand sanitisers (hand washing is always better)
  3. don't share food, drinks or eating utensils.
  4. don't touch food with your hands.
  5. reduce unnecessary contact with communal surfaces.


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