Why is food poisoning so common on cruises?

Serving expired foods, failing to enforce kitchen sanitation practices, cross-contamination and other issues involving improper food handling and safety practices are among the leading causes of food poisoning onboard cruise ships.



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Unfortunately, food poisoning and stomach viruses are common culprits for just that on some cruises. The United Kingdom, for instance, recently reported 24 cases of Salmonella linked to travel on cruise ships travelling to the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

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How can I protect myself from gastrointestinal illness?
  1. Use proper handwashing techniques throughout your voyage, but especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
  2. Avoid any food or water that you think may be contaminated.
  3. Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish.


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

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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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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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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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Typically, a member of the cruise line's Care Team will accompany the ill passenger and a companion or family member to the hospital. You will not be reimbursed for any unused portion of your cruise. You will be charged for medical services onboard and in the port of call where you are disembarked.

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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.

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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.

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The middle of the ship and not too high is your safest bet. A mid-ship stateroom with a balcony for quick access to fresh air may be ideal. If not available, consider a room that is either lower or closer to the back, as the front of the ship tends to experience the most movement.

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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.


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Among the bacterial pathogens that cause respiratory infections on cruise ships, the most common infections reported have been due to Legionella species (Fig. 2).

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