What agent is most commonly responsible for outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships?

Worldwide Industry Facts. Worldwide, norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis. About 1 in 5 cases of acute gastroenteritis, which leads to diarrhea and vomiting, is caused by norovirus.



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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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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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“It may be related to how we are wired,” she says. Mal de debarquement syndrome is quite uncommon, but its effects can reach beyond those returning from cruise ships. Those who take long trips in airplanes, trains and cars may also notice the persistent sensation of motion afterwards.

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Food poisoning. 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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If you're worried about seasickness, pick a cabin that's as close to the water level as possible and in the center of the ship. You'll be at the ship's fulcrum point, which means you'll feel less movement than people on higher decks with cabins far forward or all the way at the back.

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Gastrointestinal tract Traveler's diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and stomach cramps. It's caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Fortunately, traveler's diarrhea usually isn't serious in most people — it's just unpleasant.

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Norovirus spreads easily and can make anyone ill, with symptoms usually lasting one to three days. The virus most often spreads in closed and crowded environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, child care centers, school and cruise ships, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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