Since cruise lines have a legal obligation to ensure that they are serving safe food and drink to their passengers (among other safety-related legal obligations), passengers who experience foodborne illnesses onboard a cruise ship will be able to sue the cruise line in many cases.

If you suspect you have food poisoning on a cruise, the first and most important step is to report your symptoms to the ship’s medical center immediately. Cruise lines take gastrointestinal (GI) illness very seriously due to the risk of norovirus outbreaks; in 2026, the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program requires ships to report if 3% or more of passengers exhibit GI symptoms. Once you report it, the medical staff will evaluate you and, if they suspect a contagious illness, you will likely be quarantined in your stateroom for 24 to 48 hours to prevent the spread to other guests. While being confined to your room is frustrating, most lines will provide complimentary room service, bottled water, and light "BRAT" diet meals (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast). It is also worth noting that the medical center fees for GI-related consultations are sometimes waived if an outbreak is suspected, though this varies by cruise line. After your recovery, you should check with the guest services desk, as some lines may offer a pro-rated "future cruise credit" for the days you spent in isolation, provided the illness was officially logged by the onboard medical team.