cruise norovirus 2023

These are the cruise ships with the best — and worst — sanitation scores so far this year

The CDC randomly inspects cruise ships to help prevent the spread of stomach viruses.
The agency has reported 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships this year.
These are the cruise ships with the best and worst sanitation report cards in 2023 so far.

There's nothing like a stomach virus to ruin your vacation, as hundreds of cruise ship passengers have unfortunately learned this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships so far in 2023. The last time the industry's yearly gastrointestinal illness outbreak total was that high was back in 2016 — and it's only July.

For the agency to report a cruise-ship outbreak, 3% or more of passengers or crew members must report symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, such as vomiting and diarrhea, to the ship's medical staff. During the most recent outbreak, a 14-day cruise aboard the Viking Neptune in June, slightly over 13% of passengers (110 of 838) reported being ill with predominant symptoms of abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to the CDC.

The nasty stomach bug isn't just a cruise-ship problem, though. Norovirus cases have spiked across the United States this year, which some experts say is the result of ending COVID-19 restrictions .

"People often associate cruise ships with acute gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus, but acute gastrointestinal illness is relatively infrequent on cruise ships," the CDC says on its website. "Health officials track illness on cruise ships. So outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land."

To try to help prevent the spread of stomach viruses at sea, the CDC randomly inspects cruise ships and scores them on a scale of 0 to 100 through the Vessel Sanitation Program . Inspection scores of 85 and lower are considered "not satisfactory" by the agency.

The 15 cruise ships with perfect scores of 100

The 15 cruise ships with scores below a 95.

Correction: July 17, 2023 — An earlier version of this story included a photo caption that misstated how many passengers and crew members aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam reported being ill during a May voyage. It was 284 people, not 539.

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Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships surge to decade-high levels: How to avoid the stomach bug

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. Since January 2023, there have been 13 confirmed norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships under U.S. jurisdiction — that's more outbreaks in six months than there have been during any full year since 2012, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

After a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of the highly contagious virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting, aka stomach flu, spiked this winter and spring on land. As post-pandemic travel surges and millions of Americans return to cruise ships, an increasing number of cruise lines are reporting outbreaks at sea.

Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships

Most recently, a norovirus outbreak in June on the Viking Neptune sickened 110 passengers (over 13% of the ship's guests) and nine crew members with vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, according to the CDC . The CDC has tracked outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships through its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) since 1994.

Several weeks prior, a Celebrity Summit cruise ship reported an outbreak of norovirus that sickened more than 150 passengers and 25 crew members, per the CDC . It was the third norovirus outbreak on a Celebrity Cruises vessel this year. Another popular cruise line, Royal Caribbean International, has reported four outbreaks since January.

Cruise ships are required to report cases of gastrointestinal illness to the CDC before arriving at any U.S. port, and the CDC will notify the public about outbreaks if they meet certain criteria, including: the ship is carrying 100 or more passengers, the voyage is three to 21 days long, and 3% or more of passengers or crew report symptoms, per the CDC .

The number of outbreaks in the first six months of 2023 is higher than the yearly total during every year since 2012, when there were 16 outbreaks on cruise ships reported to the CDC.

Norovirus can spread year-round, but it tends to have a wintertime seasonality and peak during the colder months. Outbreaks are most common between November and April, TODAY.com previously reported.

"It's a virus we typically see all throughout spring, so it’s not unusual to be see cases in April and May, (and) we are continuing to see many cases now," Dr. Luis Ostrosky, an infectious disease specialist at UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann in Houston, tells TODAY.com.

However, as travel surges this summer, travel-related illnesses are expected to surge, as well. “I think our travel frenzy after COVID is partially fueling this continued spread (of norovirus),” says Ostrosky.

What should people know about norovirus and how to avoid getting sick on cruise ships this summer?

Norovirus symptoms and treatment

The most common symptoms of norovirus are vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain, Dr. Albert Ko, infectious disease physician and professor of public health, epidemiology and medicine at Yale School of Public Health, tells TODAY.com.

Less commonly, norovirus may cause a headache, muscle aches, or a low-grade fever — symptoms usually develop within one to two days after exposure to the virus, per the CDC .

In the vast majority of people, norovirus symptoms will last several days and resolve on their own.

There’s no specific treatment or antiviral for norovirus, according to Ostrosky, but most cases can be managed at home with supportive care like hydration and rest. Sick people should also isolate until their symptoms resolve, the experts emphasize.

Some people are at higher risk of developing severe norovirus symptoms — these include infants, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, Ostrosky noted.

How does norovirus spread?

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread directly through sick people and contaminated surfaces, food, or drinks.

Transmission often occurs when tiny virus particles in feces or vomit from an infected person end up in another person's mouth through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces and putting unwashed hands in the mouth or nose, TODAY .com previously reported .

Norovirus can also get into food before, during or after preparation, and it's the top germ causing foodborne illness in the U.S., per the CDC . Virus particles can contaminate drinking water that isn't treated properly or pools when people poop in the water.

It only takes a small number of virus particles for norovirus to spread, which is why norovirus causes so many explosive outbreaks, Ko previously told TODAY.com.

Exposure to less than 100 norovirus particles can make someone sick, and infected people typically shed billions of particles, according to the CDC.

Most people are infectious from symptom onset until about two or three days after recovering, but some people can remain contagious for weeks, Ko notes. People can get infected with norovirus multiple times in their lifetime.

Is norovirus common on cruise ships?

Certain environments are more conducive to the virus spreading. According to the CDC , the most common settings for norovirus outbreaks are health care facilities, restaurants or catered events, schools, day cares and, of course, cruise ships.

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 .

How to avoid norovirus on a cruise

Hand hygiene is key to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus — but the way you clean your hands matters, experts note. It has to be with soap and water, because alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.

“Norovirus is one of the few viruses that doesn’t get deactivated by alcohol. You actually need to use soap and water to physically destroy it and remove it from your hands,” Ostrosky previously told TODAY.com.

It's important to wash your hands with soap and clean water frequently, but especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers, before eating and before touching your face.

Surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus can be cleaned with a high-level disinfectant like bleach, per Ostrosky.

On cruise ships, avoid sick people if you can. Passengers who experience norovirus symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea should notify staff and follow recommended precautions, per the CDC .

Caroline Kee is a health reporter at TODAY based in New York City.

Watch CBS News

Norovirus outbreaks surging on cruise ships this year

By Emily Mae Czachor

July 12, 2023 / 10:33 AM EDT / CBS News

Norovirus outbreaks spiked on cruise ships this year, with data showing more outbreaks happened between January and June than over the course of any other full calendar year in the last decade. Thirteen norovirus outbreaks have been reported on cruises so far in 2023, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , which keeps a record of annual case counts dating back to 1994.

The most recent outbreak hit passengers and crew members on board a Viking Cruises trip from Iceland that docked in New York on June 20. More than 13% of passengers on the Viking Neptune — 110 of 838 in total — reported being ill while onboard, according to the CDC. Nine crew members reported being ill as well. Health officials at the CDC determined that norovirus caused the outbreak after Viking Cruises collected and sent specimens to the agency's laboratory for testing.

Those cases in June came after multiple norovirus outbreaks in previous months that affected a range of cruise lines.

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. Princess Cruises reported its first outbreak of the year in February, and Royal Caribbean International reported two the previous month. P&O Cruises also reported an outbreak on its Arcadia cruise ship this year.

The CDC's tally of norovirus outbreaks so far confirmed on cruise ships in 2023 is already higher than any annual outbreak tallies since 2012, when the health agency recorded 16 outbreaks.

Symptoms of norovirus

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, which is inflammation in the stomach or intestines, according to the CDC . Health officials say norovirus is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea as well as the most common type of foodborne illness .

Norovirus is often referred to as a "stomach bug" or "stomach flu" (although it is not a form of flu). It causes a variety of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. People infected with the virus may also have headaches, fevers and body aches, and are at risk of dehydration.

The virus spreads easily and is typically contracted when someone accidentally ingests tiny particles of vomit or feces from someone who is infected with it. The CDC writes that people who are infected "can shed billions of norovirus particles that you can't see without a microscope," and exposure to just a few norovirus particles can make someone sick.

Symptoms typically emerge within 12 to 48 hours of being exposed. Most people get better after a few days, but severe cases may require hospitalization.

Studies have shown that norovirus can continue to spread for two weeks or more after an infected person stops having symptoms of the illness, according to the CDC.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cruise Ship

Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.

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CruiseMapper
Ships and Lines

Cruise Ship Norovirus Outbreaks

Here are listed latest cruise ship Norovirus outbreaks on passenger ships, with information what is and how to avoid Norovirus on cruise ships, CDC reports, and news updates.

From the following links, you can skip the intro and jump directly to illness outbreaks in 2024 , 2023 , 2022 , 2020 , 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016 , 2015 , 2014 , 2013 , 2012 , also read about Zika virus , Seasickness , Hospital (shipboard infirmary) and Mercy Ships (hospital ship Africa Mercy) .

Note: The following CruiseMapper link provides information on Coronavirus/COVID outbreaks on cruise ships .

Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships in 2024

Cruise norovirus outbreaks updates.

Norovirus on ships is spread through contaminated water, foods and surfaces (public restrooms, railings, doorknobs, handles, board games-cards-puzzles-toys, etc). Norovirus withstands chlorine, prolonged exposure outside the body, as well as temperature extremes. Like a virus, Norwalk can't be effectively treated with antibiotics, making it extremely difficult to eliminate in closed environments - like cruise vessels.

Norovirus may incubate up to 48 hours before the symptoms appear. This makes it difficult to restrict an outbreak. Noro symptoms include nausea, vomiting (kids more than adults, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, general weakness, low fever, headache, muscle aches. The illness could last up to 5 days (depending on the person's age, general health, and severity of the exposure to the virus. Recovered patients can still spread the virus for up to 2 weeks.

Quarantining the ill passengers and crew to their cabins is mandatory (at least for 48 hours) to slow the outbreak's spread. Failing to comply with the crew's orders results in fines or even discharge from the ship.

CruiseMapper's Norovirus survey is based on official data from CDC.gov (USA's "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention"). CDC's "Vessel Sanitation Program" assists the cruise tourism industry in preventing and controlling the transmission and spread of gastrointestinal illnesses (Norovirus, ETEC) on passenger ships calling on US seaports.

Cruise Ship Norovirus - CruiseMapper CruiseMinus

This program operates under the authority of the Public Health Service Act (fda.gov, "Quarantine and Inspection Regulations to Control Communicable Diseases"). CDC sanitation inspections on passenger ships are conducted twice a year. Scores of 86 are considered passing. Among the issues that CDC health inspectors usually find on board and report are:

food debris
dead insects
insect droppings
records indicating crewmembers (including cooks and galley staff) working while sick (suffering from gastrointestinal disorders or with acute gastroenteritis/AGE symptoms)
cracked/corroded equipment
soiled cutting boards
food served undercooked
lack of safety instruction signs.

CDC cruise ship Norovirus reports

Cruise ship outbreaks are reported (posted on the CDC website) when the illness incident meets the following criteria:

The ship falls within the purview of the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). This means if it carries 13+ passengers and has a foreign cruise itinerary with US ports of call in it. Keep in mind, that most departures are from US-based home ports.
The ship cruise itinerary length is between 3 and 21 days,
The ship carries 100+ passengers.
The percentage of infected passengers or crew (cases reported to the ship's med staff) during the cruise is 3% or more. This means small outbreaks on cruise ships will not be reported to the CDC.

CDC cruise ship inspection fees are payable by the shipowner. Fees are based on the vessel's size. VSP doesn't charge fees for consultations related to shipping facilities renovations or new ships. Inspection fees are as follows.

Small ships (under 3000 GT/gross tons) pay USD 1500 per inspection.
Small ships (between 3000-15000 GT) pay USD 3000 per inspection.
Medium ships (between 15000-30000 GT) pay USD 6000 per inspection.
Large ships (between 30000-60000 GT) pay USD 9000 per inspection.
Extra-large ships (between 60000-120000 GT) pay USD 12000 per inspection.
Mega-liners (above 120000 GT) pay USD 18000 per inspection.

Note: When the itinerary doesn't include US cruise ports, the ship is not required to report to CDC, thus no official illness outbreak report would be issued.

CDC ship illness outbreak investigations

VSP (abbrev "Vessel Sanitation Program") monitors CDC's observations on illness patterns for GI (gastrointestinal) outbreaks on passenger shipping vessels ( ferries and cruise ships ).

VSP conducts outbreak investigations only in cases with 3% or more passengers or crew reported sick with GI symptoms. VSP may also conduct outbreak investigations in cases of unusual GI illness patterns (even if the rate is less than 3%).
VSP conducts outbreak investigations only on vessels visiting ports in the USA or which are within 15 days of arriving at a US port.
When an outbreak occurs, VSP asks for ship logs and infirmary records of reported GI cases (symptoms and timing) and illness distribution (among passengers/crew, during each day of the cruise).
VSP staff usually boards the vessel for epidemiological assessment, interviews, distribution and analysis of illness questionnaires, monitoring cleaning procedures.
Lab investigations - the onboard med staff often collects stool, vomit, blood specimens, which are then sent to land-based labs to confirm the illness cause.

During the onboard illness outbreak, VSP requires the cruise company to activate the "Outbreak Prevention and Response Plan" (vessel's response to illness cases).

During an outbreak:

Cleaning and disinfection frequencies are Increased.
Self-service buffets are stopped.
All infected (pax/crew) are quarantined to their staterooms/cabins
Clinical specimens are collected for analysis.
Daily updates are provided to VSP (cases counts and measures reports)
All passengers and crew are alerted of the illness.
Upon boarding on the next scheduled cruise, passengers are notified about the previous voyage's outbreak.
Occasionally, VSP requires the company to notify port authorities and also to perform cleaning and disinfection in cruise port terminal buildings.

Illness outbreaks on cruise ships (annual statistics)

The following statistics show the number of cruise ship illness outbreaks in recent years. You can compare the number of reports (CDC and news media sources) and the total number of infected (passengers and crew).

In 2014, Time Magazine published the article "The 13 Worst Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships". In it, the overall winner was Princess Cruises with 5 epidemic illness outbreaks:

Coral Princess (February 2009, infected 271)
Crown Princess (January 2010, infected 396)
Crown Princess (February 2012, infected 363)
Sun Princess (July 2012, infected 216)
Ruby Princess (March 2013, infected 276)

Norovirus outbreaks 2023 reports

Norovirus outbreaks 2022 reports, norovirus outbreaks 2020 reports, outbreaks 2019 reports.

In the following table, you can see all 2019-reported Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships. The listed statistical data is based on CDC or news media reports. It shows the number of sick passengers and crew (with the respective percentage to all), along with the corresponding CDC report pages (if available) as outgoing links.

Note: When the itinerary doesn't include US cruise ports, the ship is not required to report to CDC, thus no official illness report would be issued.

Outbreaks 2018 reports

In 2018, the number of reported illness outbreaks on cruise ships was 15. The total number of infected was 1177 (of those 1099 passengers and 78 crew).

Outbreaks 2017 reports

In 2017, the number of reported illness outbreaks on cruise ships was 21. The total number of infected was 2535 (of those 2450 passengers and 85 crew).

Outbreaks 2016 reports

In 2016, the number of reported illness outbreaks on cruise ships was 23. The total number of infected was 2504 (of those 2378 passengers and 126 crew).

Outbreaks 2015 reports

In 2015, the number of reported illness outbreaks on cruise ships was 23. The total number of infected was 2570 (of those 2458 passengers and 112 crew).

Outbreaks 2014 reports

In 2014, the number of reported illness outbreaks on cruise ships was 17. The total number of infected was 3559 (of those 3354 passengers and 205 crew).

Outbreaks 2013 reports

In 2013, the number of reported illness outbreaks on cruise ships was 22. The total number of infected was 2385 (of those 2249 passengers and 136 crew).

According to CDC, in 2013 from Norovirus and similar GI (gastrointestinal) illnesses suffered a total of 1409 passengers (which is 7,5% of all passengers on the inspected cruise vessels) and 96 crew/staff members (which is 1,2% of all). With nearly 12 million cruisers departing from USA and Canada ports in 2013, the Norovirus infection rate is ~0,01% of all passengers.
It should be noted, that in the past years on many CDC inspections was concluded the Noro virus illness source was off the ship.

Outbreaks 2012 reports

In 2012, the number of reported illness outbreaks on cruise ships was 34. The total number of infected was 5542 (of those 5079 passengers and 463 crew).

Norovirus on cruise ships

All important things you should know about the "cruise virus".

Why do Norovirus incidents happen on cruise ships? There are more than 21 million US cases reported annually, of which 1 mill related to kids. Outbreaks happen mostly during winter months and mainly in more crowded places with close quarters. Among those are schools, hospitals, nursing homes, dormitories, prisons, big resorts, bigger passenger ships (including cruise ferries ). Norovirus is often branded as "cruise ship virus" simply because on ships health officials are required to report every gastrointestinal illness incident. This means Norovirus outbreaks are reported more quickly on ships than on land. Just for comparison, the virus can afflict as many as 3000 people per day in only one big city, which is about the passenger capacity of a typical modern cruiser.

What is Norovirus infection? It's a very common, highly contagious, ruthlessly efficient and uncomfortably bad virus affecting the stomach and large intestines. Often called "stomach flu" (the med term is "Gastroenteritis") the infection results in massive vomiting and diarrhea. Sickness outbreaks are considered as such if the percentage of infected people is over 3%. The virus is not seasonal and usually not serious (in medical terms). It hits 1 in 5 people annually and is the cause of ~50% of all foodborne illness outbreaks in the USA and for ~90% of all non-bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide.

The virus is named after an outbreak in Norwalk (OH, USA). Numerous studies confirm that a quick application of hand sanitizer doesn't kill the Norovirus. It takes about 30 sec of hard rubbing with hot water and soap (including under the nails) to wash it. This virus also mutates (changing its strains). As to its efficiency - a mere 20 particles are enough to get you.

What causes Norovirus on cruise vessels is mainly contaminated food/water. When it comes to ships, it spreads mostly through physical contact with sick people or handling contaminated objects. This includes sharing food/utensils and poor hygiene (not washing hands after bathroom use). The virus also spreads fecally, so you can catch it into the onboard laundry, or while changing diapers, etc. However, many passengers likely can blame a sick crewmember for the virus. According to a survey based on 170 inspection records on ships that docked in Florida ports in 2012, on 59 cruises violations of the required illness reporting laws were reported. A total of 130 crew had gotten sick on those voyages and didn't report their illness in the required time period.

The symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal cramps. Also possible are mild fever and headache. It takes 1-2 days for the symptoms to appear. The illness lasts 1 to 4 days, but some people (especially elderly) may be contagious for up to 2 weeks after recovery.

What is the treatment? What to do if you got it? Obviously, the first thing is to go to the ship's infirmary (medical center) and contact the doctor. You should drink plenty of water as dehydration is a side-effect of the illness. There is no real treatment for Norovirus - you just wait it out. A few years ago an experimental Norovirus vaccine (applied as nasal spray) was developed by the "Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology" (Arizona State University). The new vaccine generates a good immune response.

How to avoid Norovirus on cruise ships?

Wash your hands often (hot water and soap), especially before/after eating and after using the bathroom
Limit physical contacts as much as possible, pack some extra soap, a personal disinfectant (Lysol, Pepto-Bismol), oral rehydration sachets and treatments for diarrhea
Avoid eating uncooked food (including salads and sandwiches) and food that cannot be washed (unless it can be peeled or shelled), drink only bottled liquids (preferably without ice), don't share drinks/utensils.
Drink lots of water.
Compensation for cruise illness. By contract, cruise lines are not required to compensate passengers who fall ill on cruises. However, they will compensate you if the itinerary was altered/canceled due to an illness outbreak. The deal may include up to 50% refund, up to 50% FCC (future cruise booking discount) or an option to cancel for a full refund plus reimbursement of airline change fees. If you have travel insurance, it covers cancellation due to illness. If you've been infected on the ship, it could also cover medical expenses and to compensate you for all days you're not on the ship before the cruise end.

The following "health advisory" list of recommended actions is often issued during gastrointestinal illness outbreak or on embarkation day (of the next scheduled voyage). It has important suggestions on how to avoid spreading the cruise ship virus infection.

It is critical that excellent standards of personal hygiene are maintained by all on board, as well as avoiding touching surfaces, such as handrails, door handles, elevator buttons, walls.
Report any observed evidence of vomiting or diarrhea that you may encounter on the ship.
Ensure that you minimize direct contact with others during this time, such as handshakes, etc.
Avoid touching your mouth.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap for at least 20 sec and rinse them well under running water. Ensure that you follow this procedure every time you use the WC, after coughing or sneezing, and before eating, drinking or smoking.
Attempt to always use your own cabin toilet facilities.
In addition to hand washing, also use the alcohol hand gels provided where available, and in particular before eating in the self-serve buffet restaurant and outdoor food outlets.
Should you experience any symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea, return to your cabin and immediately report to the Medical Center or Front Office (Reception, if the infirmary is busy) by dialling 999.

Cruise ship virus procedures

What do they do about it? What actions do lines/operators/CDC actually take in response to a Norovirus cruise outbreak?

An "illness outbreak" is considered when 3% or more of all passengers report symptoms to the ship's med staff. In such cases, the CDC requires cruise lines to file a medical report.

The hotel staff is required to implement special cleaning and disinfection procedures for sanitizing the whole ship. To do that, they use stronger solvents, like Microbac, chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide. The Lido Deck's bistro/buffet service switches to manned stations. Often, salt-pepper shakers are taken off the tables. The crew starts offering precautionary tips. Sick passengers and crew are quarantined in their rooms, typically for at least 2 days. When Norovirus outbreaks can't be contained, cruise lines might also pull the ship out of service for a few days for sanitizing.

The CDC's "Vessel Sanitation Program" is for monitoring illness outbreaks on passenger ships carrying 100 or more guests on sailings from 3 to 21 days in length. The ship's medical staff is required by the CDC to maintain illness counts for each itinerary involving a stop at a US cruise port and to give CDC the number of all passengers/crew, plus the number of reported diarrhea cases during that voyage. This is done 24 hrs prior to arrival at any US port of call from a foreign port. And they file such reports even if the "illness number" is zero. This protocol only confirms that the CDC knows everything about it.

Other possible actions and results are red level ("Code Red") cleaning. The boarding/embarkation of new passengers is often delayed to permit more extensive disinfection of public areas and the cabins. Usually, a pre-embarkation health advisory is distributed to all boarding passengers. Additional med staff is sent to the ship in port to assist the disembarkation of infected passengers. Another possibility is the cruise ship to cancel all the itinerary's foreign ports of call and to return to its US home-port before the end of the voyage.

Some cruise lines offer hand-sanitizer dispensers near the ship's restaurants, Lido/pool deck areas and other more crowded public spaces in their effort to keep a lid on sickness outbreaks.

In February 2020, the shipowner cruise company Lindblad Expeditions announced the "Premium Purity" program with a shipwide cleaning system based on ACT CleanCoat technology. The program was rolled out fleetwide after a year trial. The innovative ship cleaning process is based on photocatalytic antibacterial spray that when activated by light kills viruses, bacteria, airborne microbes, mould. The disinfecting product and technology were developed by the Danish company ACT Global AS ( Copenhagen ). The spray is chemical-free, odourless, transparent and can be applied to all surfaces.

Zika virus on cruise ships

Zika virus (aka ZIKV) is a Flavivirus - from the genus of the viruses named West Nile, dengue, tick-borne encephalitis, yellow fever. These plus several other viruses may cause encephalitis (acute brain inflammation). In humans, Zika virus causes the Zika fever which is known to occur only within some equatorial regions. In 2014, Zika spread across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia, and soon to Easter Island. In 2015, Zika virus reached Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. In South America were recorded several pandemic outbreaks.

The most severe outbreaks were reported in Brazil, with an alarming surge in newborns with microcephaly. If the mother is infected, the virus may cause microcephaly in newborns. This is a neurodevelopmental disorder - babies are born with an underdeveloped head.

Generally, Zika is a mosquito-borne virus spread by Aedes aegypti (aka "yellow fever mosquito") and Aedes albopictus (aka "Asian tiger mosquito"). However, it became "cruise virus" since the decease can also result from intrauterine (contraceptive device), sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, lab exposure, organ/tissue transplantation, breast milk transmission.

In January 2016, the CDC issued travel guidance on affected countries and suggested using enhanced precautions and even postponing travel. Guidelines (specifically for pregnant women) were issued as well. Similar travel warnings were issued by other health agencies and governments. The CDC list of potentially dangerous for travel countries included (alphabetically) Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, Salvador, Samoa, St Maarten, Suriname, Venezuela.

Cruise lines should warn their pregnant passengers of the virus. Cruise ships publish daily health and safety instructions to their passengers on how to avoid mosquito bites. Zika symptoms are fever, skin rash, pain in joints, conjunctivitis (pink eye). It typically lasts from a few days to a week. For now, the illness cannot be prevented by drugs or vaccines.

"Cruise ship virus" politics

Virus outbreaks on cruise ships are actually not that uncommon. Such viral/bacterial outbreak incidents affect the vacation experience of thousands of people, being packed up in a floating resort for many days on end. In confined spaces with frequent passenger turnover (like big capacity cruise ships), it is easy for diseases to spread - whether food- or air-borne, or otherwise. However, there's a tendency to cover up the severity of this issue.

Some of the world's most famous passenger ships are listed in the virus outbreak statistics, yet one hears so little of it in mass media news. And there is no surprise in that since the "cruise illness" news are nothing but bad publicity for the companies - which is bad for a prosperous multi-billion dollar sea travel vacation business. All major cruise line companies will do their best to keep quiet about virus outbreaks on their ships. There are passenger testimonials about quarantined ships and how badly guests have been treated by the line. Virus outbreak news speaks of a lack of proper hygiene control, badly trained staff, bad ship management. The whole responsibility goes to the shipowner (cruise line company) and its management.

Major (in some cases epidemic) illness outbreaks are among the "biggies" that can bring down the brand's reputation on the market. Cruise illness issues often result in lower booking rates and cheaper prices - which is bad for the business.

So it comes as no surprise that when CDC reports an illness outbreak on some vessel, big media sources do not immediately (or ever) respond to the news. You may hear about it on your local radio station, or on your local cable operator, but not necessarily on ABC, CNN, and often not even on Yahoo and MSN news online. It's not about the passengers' health (never been) - it's about the big money that rules our world.

So keep your hands clean, keep your mind clear, always hope for the best. Bad, if meant to happen, will happen anyway, and nothing can change it.

Seasickness on cruise ships

Seasickness is physical disorientation as a result of conflicting signals received by the brain from different body senses. Our inner ear senses the ship's irregular motion, which our eyes can't see because the floor and walls are stable. Depending on individual balance, our ability to adjust to motions varies, so not everyone experiences seasickness.

Seasickness is one of the most common "cruise illnesses". Passengers sensitive to nausea or motion sickness should consult their doctors for medical recommendations prior to departure. Drugs (like Dramamine) are effective against seasickness. At the cruise ship's Infirmary, and also at Reception Desk is provided (free of charge) Meclizine. Know that the bigger the vessel the more stable it is. Also, motion in midship-located areas (including staterooms) is highly reduced in comparison to forward and aft areas.

Seasickness manifests in different ways and is always a result of the body's attempt to correct for the conflicting inputs received from its senses. Common symptoms are cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea. When such symptoms are noticed, passengers should take precautions to prevent intensifying the disorientation. The harder the symptoms, the longer the recovery.

If seasickness symptoms are accompanied by diarrhea or fever, passengers should immediately seek medical treatment for Norovirus and avoid spreading the illness to others.

How to prevent seasickness on cruise ships (tips)

Passengers prone to motion sickness are more likely to suffer seasickness. The following prevention tips can minimize discomfort, so before the cruise:

choose more sheltered routes (clam waters). Open sea and ocean waters are rough and have larger swells, thus river cruises are among your best choices.
Choose a large liner as larger vessels are more stable and motions are minimized.
Book centralized/midship stateroom and/or middle deck cabin, where motions are less noticeable.
Get a good sleep before the voyage - an energetic, well-rested body adjusts easier to new conditions.

During the cruise tips to divert seasickness symptoms include:

Get involved in onboard activities - this will occupy your mind while the inner ear adjusts to equilibrium changes.
Avoid napping or lying down - when the body is horizontal, the ship's motion is more pronounced.
Avoid eating unknown foods - you don't know how your stomach may react to new food/ingredients. Avoid alcohol and acidic-fatty-spicy foods. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Walk around to adjust the body's equilibrium to the ship's motion. When on open decks, focus on the horizon to give your eyes and body similar inputs about any tilting or other motion. Depending on the symptoms' severity, it may take several hours.
Often get fresh air, take deep breaths, keep your lungs clear.
Some herbal remedies (in tablets or teas) also can ease the symptoms, including ginger and peppermint. Their efficacy varies by person, and are best used together with other prevention methods.

Search for medical assistance - consult the ship's physician if no actions provide relief.

Cruise ship hospital (medical care)

Cruise vessels are not "hospital ships".

Hospital ships are designated as floating medical facilities (hospitals).

Most hospital ships are navy vessels (operated by military forces) which are specifically built for use in war zones.

Attacking a hospital ship is considered a war crime, but enemy forces have the right to board them for inspections.

As of 2018, hospital ships have Brazil (6), China (5), Russia (6), USA (2), Spain (2), and India-Indonesia-Peru-Vietnam (x1).

The navies of USA, UK, Australia, China, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and Japan have some classes of military ships fitted with onboard hospitals.

For passengers with health concerns, medical care on cruise ships is a vital part of their travel planning. Most cruise vessels are equipped with either basic infirmary (a small clinic) or larger hospital where sick or injured passengers are treated and cared for by contractor physicians and nurses on 24-hour duty.

Shipboard hospitals as facilities and equipment vary by cruise line and vessel. Clinic's size usually depends on the ship's capacity (passengers plus crew). Generally, bigger and newer ships offer larger and better-equipped medical facilities and are served by bigger infirmary staff.

The ship's medical personnel are independent contractors. This is for limiting the cruise company's liability. There are no internationally specified regulations governing ship infirmaries and medical staffing. Each company has its own standards provided for its passengers' healthcare.

For finding the Infirmary you can use the ship deck plans . On most vessels, the medical facilities are located midship on a lower deck (for easier access and better stability) and usually among other crew facilities. Every passenger stateroom has the Infirmary's number - posted or by the cabin's phone.

Basic medical care on cruise ships

A cruise ship's medical facility can treat only passengers experiencing minor health issues - seasickness, scrapes, sunburns, etc. More severe medical emergencies can't be handled on the ship and usually require medevacs. Coast guard helicopter teams fly to the ship, hoist the passenger (accompanied by a spouse/relative and a crew nurse) and fly them to the nearest land hospital.

Infirmary's equipment and med supplies provide only emergency response and basic treatments in order to stabilize the passenger until transferred ashore.

In cases of severe emergencies, passengers with life-threatening illnesses or injuries are evacuated off the ship - either by boat (if in or near seaport) or by rescue helicopter dispatched from nearest coast guard or other station. In some cases, nearby ships with better medical facilities may assist.

Both emergency and basic care are available on the ship 24 hours a day. All treatments are paid. Outside regular opening hours fees are higher.

Like inland hospitals, medical treatments at sea are pricey. However, unlike on land, most basic travel insurance policies don't cover medical treatments on cruise ships as they are not from the patient's primary caregiver. Purchasing cruise travel insurance with health coverage (medical clauses) is highly recommended.

Shipboard medical service fees vary and are usually set by medical practitioners. General consultations incur costs similar to home visits. Prescription medications or other treatments cost extra. In most cruise ship hospitals, some supplies and medications are provided to passengers and crew for free - like aspirin, seasickness pills, small bandages.

Mercy Ships

"Mercy Ships" is a charity accredited by Better Business Bureau. It operates hospital ships since 1978 and also has currently the world's largest hospital ship (excluding navy vessels) - MV Africa Mercy.

The organization provides free humanitarian aid worldwide, including health care, community development, and health education projects, mental health, agriculture, and water development programs in mainly developing countries in Africa, Caribbean, South America, Oceania.

The organization's headquarters are in Garden Valley (Texas USA), with another 16 offices worldwide - in UK, Spain, Canada, Germany, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea.

Financial support and supplies are mainly through donations from medical companies (medications, supplies, equipment), corporations (fuel, food, building supplies), governments (port fees, drydock costs), general public and also by the crew (all volunteers on a rotational basis). The crew serves with short-term (2 weeks to 2 years) and long-term (min 2 years) contracts. Volunteer crew members occupy both medical (surgeons, dentists, nurses) and general jobs (deckhands, seamen, engineers, machinists, electricians, teachers, cooks, welders, plumbers, agriculturalists.

The crew on Mercy Ships pay all costs associated with their service - fees, travel expenses, passports, insurance, personal expenses.

As 95 of the world's top 100 largest megapolises are port cities, "hospital ships" could provide healthcare very quickly and more efficiently to large numbers of people.

MV Africa Mercy

MV Africa Mercy is a converted former rail ferry (1980-built as "Dronning Ingrid") drydock-refitted in 2007 at Cammell Laird shipyard (Hebburn, England).

The ship project started in March 1999 with the vessel's acquisition through a donation from Balcraig Foundation (UK), which purchased the boat for US$6,5 million.

Ferry's train deck was reconstructed and converted into a hospital. Project's total cost was over USD 62 million.

Vessel details include:

Volume/GT tonnage 16572 tons
LOA length 152 m (499 ft )
Width 23,7 m (78 ft)
Draft 6 m (20 ft)
Powerplant 4x BW main engines plus diesel generators
Propulsion two shafts with controllable pitch propellers
Speed 19 Kn/35 kph/22 mph
Passenger capacity 484
Crew capacity 450
Fleet of 28 vehicles (used in land-based operations)
Annual drydock maintenance and refurbishment are done in Durban (South Africa).

As for facilities and amenities, the hospital ship has 5 operating rooms, Intensive Care Unit, an ophthalmic unit, CT scanner, X-Ray, labs, recovery ward (82 beds), a daycare center, a school (for all ages), library, launderette, convenience store, restaurant, gymnasium, shops, Starbucks Cafe (donated), satellite communications.

Africa Mercy has a total of 126 staterooms for the staff/crew. They are located on upper decks and include cabins for families, couples and single cabins.

Land-based operations ("Field Service") include mobile clinics providing screening for potential surgery patients, healthcare, dental care, also mental health programs, infrastructure projects.

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Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships: How to Avoid Getting Sick on Vacation

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.
Experts recommend maintaining proper hygiene habits and contacting the ship’s medical facility as soon as you don’t feel well in order to avoid spreading illnesses while at sea.

Multiple cruise lines are experiencing norovirus outbreaks.

There have currently been 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships in 2023. The most recent outbreak occurred on a Viking Cruises ship, which traveled from Iceland and docked in New York City. About 13% of its passengers and several crew members became ill with the virus while on board.

With more than 31 million passengers worldwide expected to set sail this year, experts told Health that these highly-congested environments—along with the fact that people have not been exposed to a normal amount of illnesses due to the pandemic—could be the reasons for the increased numbers.

“Loosening of restrictions after the COVID-19 pandemic makes us more susceptible to picking up viruses after several years in seclusion,” Sanjiv Shah, MD, MPH , an infectious disease specialist and chief medical officer for MetroPlusHealth, New York City’s public health insurance program, told Health.

“Children who have been able to avoid the virus during the pandemic are now being exposed to viruses that tend to peak during the school year,” he said. “While norovirus is higher this year, the numbers are not a big outlier compared to pre-pandemic levels.”

Getty Images / Michael Dunning

What Is Norovirus?

Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis and foodborne illness . Though people often call it the “ stomach flu ,” it has nothing to do with flu, Brian Labus, PhD, MPH, REHS , an expert in infectious diseases, told Health .

“You have to swallow the virus to get sick,” Labus, an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the UNLV School of Public Health, said. “That can be through consuming contaminated food or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth or not washing your hands before you eat.”

Norovirus, which causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines, typically causes diarrhea , vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain Bernadette Boden-Albala, DrPH, MPH , director and founding dean of the Program in Public Health at the University of California Irvine told Health . Other symptoms can include fever, headache, and body aches.

Typically, norovirus lasts for one to three days, though you can spread the illness for a few days after.

“Infected people spread the virus widely and make it difficult for public health officials to contain the virus,” Boden-Albala said.

Why the Number of Norovirus Outbreaks Increased

The exact cause for the increase in the number of norovirus cases is not clear, but the increasing demand for cruises could be one explanation for the rise in reported cases, said Labus.

During COVID, the options for cruises were limited, but now that restrictions have been lifted , more people are deciding to take that cruise they had been putting off.

People also are more likely to get sick now since pandemic restrictions have been lifted. For the past few years, people have not been exposed to as many common viruses and illnesses and now that exposure is rising, illnesses are bound to rise as well.

It also is possible the numbers for norovirus on cruise ships appear more alarming than they truly are.

On cruise ships, health officials are legally required to track any illnesses that occur, while this same reporting is not required on land. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that outbreaks are reported more frequently on sea than on land.

“The risk of getting norovirus each year is about 1 in 15 [but] a cruise passenger has about a 1 in 5,500 risk of getting norovirus,” Sally Andrews, vice president of strategic communications and public affairs for the Cruise Lines International Association told Health .

Environments Where Norovirus Spreads Quickly

According to Shah, norovirus spreads rapidly anywhere there are large groups of people, like school classrooms, family gatherings, and weddings.

Cruise ships in particular have many of the conditions that make people susceptible to norovirus—close quarters, enclosed spaces, communal dining, and high turnover of passengers.

“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. Rates are much higher in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and restaurants, which collectively account for about 91% of cases.”

Minji Kang, MD, an assistant professor and infectious disease specialist in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center added that norovirus can also be brought onboard by contaminated food or water, or passengers who were infected while ashore.

Yes, Cruise Ships Have Strategies to Prevent Outbreaks

Because norovirus outbreaks can flare up in the close quarters of a ship, the cruise industry has had norovirus prevention programs in place for nearly 20 years, Labus said. “They have the right chemicals needed to control it and the plans and training for how to use them appropriately.”

Cruise ships also have plans for how to deal with ill guests to ensure that they are not infecting other passengers, he said. “It’s important to let the ship’s medical staff know if you are sick so that they can protect the rest of the passengers.”

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), every cruise ship must have a place to isolate any passengers who have a contagious disease. This step helps them minimize the risk of spreading the disease to others.

What’s more, the CDC has established a rigorous Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) to help prevent the overall spread of illnesses on cruise ships. Not only do they inspect a cruise ship’s medical center, but they also monitor their portable water systems, dining rooms, housekeeping procedures, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and more.

If a cruise ship does not do well on its inspection—or gets an 85% or lower—it cannot set sail until it corrects the issues.

Staying Healthy While on a Cruise

While there have been 13 outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships this year, Labus explained that not every cruise passenger is going to be exposed to the virus. Still, taking certain steps to prevent the likelihood of getting sick is never a bad idea.

“The most important measure to prevent the spread of norovirus is to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,” said Kang. “This should be done before eating and drinking, brushing one’s teeth, and after going to the bathroom, touching high-hand contact surfaces, and taking care of a sick person.”

She noted that hand sanitizers do not work well against norovirus and that they are not a substitute for handwashing.

For extra peace of mind, you can also research your cruise line prior to booking.

To see how your specific cruise line performed on its VSP inspections, you can visit the CDC website and search their portal. This site also lists any corrective actions taken to remedy any issues. You can even look for cruise lines that have scored a perfect 100.

If you do happen to get sick while on a cruise, Boden-Albala recommends that you follow CDC guidelines and report your illness to the ship’s medical facility as soon as possible. “[You also should] rest and drink plenty of water to rebuild your immunity system and prevent dehydration.”

Even though you may be tempted to conceal your illness, you would be doing a great disservice to the other passengers and the crew on the cruise by keeping it a secret.

“While staying in your cabin [for a day or two] may not make for the best vacation,” Shah said, “it’s important to take precautions to avoid infecting others.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreak updates for international cruise ships .

Cruise Lines International Association. State of the cruise industry 2023 .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of norovirus .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about noroviruses on cruise ships .

Cruise Lines International Association. Norovirus on cruise ships .

American College of Emergency Physicians. Healthcare guidelines for cruise ship medical facilities .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vessel sanitation program: inspection infographic .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advanced cruise ship inspection search .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cruise ship inspection scored 100 .

Cruise News

CDC Reports 14th Cruise Ship Norovirus Outbreak of 2023

Andrea Santillan

October 16, 2023

A cruise ship norovirus outbreak was reported on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady during its October 8 sailing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The cruise ship reported over 70 cases of norovirus during an October 8 to 13 sailing. The ship’s next batch of passengers were alerted while sanitary measures have been adopted to prevent another outbreak.

While sailing on a Riviera Maya cruise that included stops at Cozumel, Mexico, and Bimini, the Bahamas, 66 out of 2,198 passengers and seven crew members onboard the Scarlet Lady reported symptoms of the norovirus. These included vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Though the virus’s origin remains unknown, news of the outbreak has been shared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This move complied with established CDC health protocols to report gastrointestinal outbreaks affecting at least 2% of a cruise ship’s passengers and crew members of 3% of the passengers.

RELATED: Truth and Lies About Norovirus

COO for Virgin Voyages , Michelle Bentubo, assured the public of the company’s timely response, saying, “Our medical team isolated these travelers, and we immediately enacted enhanced sanitization procedures, including additional cleaning of cabins and high-contact areas around the ship. We are working closely with the CDC and their medical professionals.”

According to the cruise line , its next sailing to Grand Turk and Bimini on October 13 proceeded as scheduled. The Vessel Sanitation Program under the CDC will continue monitoring the situation, including the ship’s response to the outbreak and sanitation measures.

Ships make up a “tiny minority” of norovirus cases

Scarlet Lady’s October 8 voyage was the 14th sailing in 2023 to experience an outbreak of norovirus. While that may seem like a lot, an epidemiology professor told USA Today that cruise ships are only accountable for a “tiny minority of norovirus outbreaks.”

To reduce your risk of catching it, the CDC recommends washing your hands often, getting plenty of rest, drinking sufficient water, and leaving areas where people are showing symptoms. In case you get sick, report your illness to the crew.

Over the summer, a Viking cruise ship had a noro incident with 119 guests and crew, bringing the total to over 13%.

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Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.

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Cruise lines battle norovirus outbreaks, affecting crews, hundreds of passengers. Here's what to know

In all, about 1,700 people reported being sick with norovirus aboard a cruise ship between January and June of this year.

By Monica Galarza and Marissa Bagg • Published July 13, 2023 • Updated on July 13, 2023 at 6:49 pm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting the highest number of norovirus outbreaks in over a decade and it is impacting hundreds of passengers and crew members onboard some of the most prominent cruise lines.

In the first six months ending in June, cruise lines have reported 13 separate outbreaks to the CDC. It’s the most number of reported norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships since 2012.

And this year’s outbreaks represent the highest number since cruises began sailing again in the summer of 2021 after being suspended due to COVID-19.

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One local expert says it’s in part because more people are cruising.

“The hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people that have already gone on cruises without incident. It’s a very small number and it’s there’s nothing to be concerned about,” said Steward Chiron, a cruise expert. “I would not think twice about going on a cruise. I would not think twice about going on a cruise or traveling anywhere.”

Celebrity, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America, Princess and P&O were among the Royal Caribbean and Carnival lines affected.

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So if you're planning to set sail this summer, here's everything you need to know about the norovirus.

What is norovirus?

According to the CDC, norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States.

It's also not a one-and-done virus. You can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of noroviruses and one type may not protect you against the others.

It is possible, however, to develop protection against specific types, but it's not known exactly how long protection lasts.

This may explain why so many people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks.

According to the CDC, your likelihood of getting a norovirus infection is also determined in part by your genes.

How does norovirus spread?

Because people of all ages can get sick with norovirus, it can spread easily and quickly.

The CDC says norovirus can be spread by:

Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, such as by caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.

You are at your most contagious when you have symptoms of norovirus illness, especially vomiting or during the first few days after you feel better.

But studies have shown that you can still spread norovirus for two weeks or more after you feel better.

According to Mayo Clinic , norovirus most often spreads in closed and crowded environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, child care centers, schools and cruise ships.

But it can also spread through contaminated food, water or through sick people and contaminated surfaces.

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain.

You may, however, experience fevers, headaches, and body aches.

Symptoms usually last one to three days and most people recover, according to the Mayo Clinic.

How do you treat norovirus?

There is no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness.

If you have norovirus illness, the CDC recommends you drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost from vomiting and diarrhea and help prevent dehydration.

Sports drinks and other drinks without caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration, but these drinks may not replace important nutrients and minerals.

It is important to note that antibiotic drugs will not help treat norovirus infections because they fight bacteria, not viruses.

When was the most recent norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship?

The CDC's latest report of a norovirus outbreak happened on Viking Neptune, a cruise ship owned by Switzerland-based Viking Cruises, during a voyage from June 6 to June 20.

According to the CDC, 110 of 838 passengers and nine of the 455 crew members reported feeling ill during the trip.

The following ships saw outbreaks so far in 2023: Celebrity Summit, Nieuw Amsterdam, Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Enchantment of the Seas, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Constellation, Ruby Princess, Viking Neptune, Jewel of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Arcadia.

What can I do to prevent contracting norovirus?

The key to preventing norovirus , and most other illnesses is simply washing your hands well.

Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to stop it from spreading.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:

After using the toilet or changing diapers.
Before eating, preparing, or handling food.
Before giving yourself or someone else medicine.

It is important to continue washing your hands often even after you feel better.

Chiron says cruise lines try to keep ships clean and limit some interactions.

“What they do is they reduce the person-to-person interactions. So when you go to the buffet for example for breakfast or lunch. Instead of serving yourself a gloved crew member will do it for you,” said Chiron.

When on board, if you see someone with norovirus symptoms, you’re urged to leave the area and alert a crew member.

Norovirus can be found in your vomit or feces (poop) even before you start feeling sick. The virus can also stay in your poop for two weeks or more after you feel better and you can still spread norovirus during that time.

Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus. You can use hand sanitizers in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing.

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Surge at Sea: Alarming Increase of Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships

By SciTechDaily July 14, 2023

The allure of the open sea, captivating itineraries, and the luxurious promise of a carefree escape have long made cruising a popular choice for vacationers. However, this industry’s lustrous appeal has recently been overshadowed by a surge in outbreaks of a particularly stubborn and contagious pathogen — Norovirus.

Since the start of this year, an unsettling trend has emerged. According to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 13 outbreaks across six different cruise lines. This alarming number marks the highest incidence of such outbreaks since 2012 when there were 16 across eight lines over the entire year.

In light of these recent developments, it’s imperative to explore and understand the nature of Norovirus — what it is, why it’s a recurring issue aboard cruise ships, and its impact on the cruise industry. This article aims to shed light on these matters, unpacking the complexities of the problem, and highlighting the steps that are being taken to address it.

The recent surge in Norovirus outbreaks underscores the necessity of vigilance and proper understanding of this issue, both for those planning a dream vacation at sea and for those in the cruise industry itself. Together, we can work towards ensuring that cruise ships remain a place of relaxation and enjoyment, rather than a breeding ground for this troublesome virus .

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus, sometimes referred to as the “winter vomiting bug,” is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Named after Norwalk, Ohio, where the first outbreak was identified in 1968, norovirus can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and, in certain cases, even more serious consequences such as severe dehydration.

The virus is commonly spread through direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water, or touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus. One of the main challenges in containing norovirus is its ability to survive on various surfaces for a significant amount of time, making it easy to pick up unknowingly.

Why is Norovirus a problem on Cruise Ships?

Highly contagious in close quarters.

The design and operation of cruise ships often involve large groups of people living in close proximity, sharing dining areas, entertainment spaces, and public restrooms. This makes it easy for norovirus to spread rapidly from person to person.

Quick and Vast Outbreaks

When a single case of norovirus appears on a cruise ship, it can quickly become an outbreak affecting hundreds or even thousands of people. This can happen incredibly quickly due to the confined nature of a cruise ship and the frequency of close interactions among passengers and crew.

Contaminated Food and Water

Cruise ships are known for their vast buffets and dining options. This presents an opportunity for the virus to spread if food or water becomes contaminated, either by an infected person or through improper handling and storage.

Difficulty in Proper Sanitation

While cruise ships have strict sanitation practices, the resilience of norovirus complicates matters. The virus can survive for days on surfaces and is resistant to many common disinfectants, making it challenging to eliminate once an outbreak has occurred.

Interruption of Planned Activities

A norovirus outbreak can cause significant disruption to the planned activities and itineraries of a cruise. Infected individuals must be isolated, common areas may need to be closed for cleaning, and in severe cases, the ship may even have to return to port.

The Impact of Norovirus on Cruise Industry

Cruise lines have had to invest heavily in cleaning and sanitation protocols, disease detection methods, and passenger education to combat the threat of norovirus. In many instances, outbreaks have led to public relations challenges, decreased passenger satisfaction, and financial losses due to trip cancellations and medical costs.

Moreover, the cruise industry often finds itself under scrutiny following an outbreak, which can affect the public’s perception and willingness to book cruises, ultimately impacting the industry’s bottom line.

The threat of norovirus on cruise ships is a serious issue that has both health and economic impacts. The confined environment of a cruise ship, combined with the virus’s highly contagious nature, creates a significant challenge. It’s crucial for cruise lines, passengers, and health officials to remain vigilant, proactive, and informed to prevent and contain potential norovirus outbreaks.

While the industry has made strides in improving sanitation protocols and disease prevention measures, the threat of norovirus remains a considerable concern that must be continuously addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers at sea.

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2 comments on "surge at sea: alarming increase of norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships".

Pay tons of money to be crammed onto a petri dish and no way off, no thanks. Then once you are on board its more $$$ for anything.

I might enjoy a cruise in a small ship with a few people, but having done a trip on a large ship many years ago I found all the hobnobbing with hundreds of other people to be psychologically scream-making ! Far too many humans in one place – no amount of luxury things would compensate for the horror of that, let alone worrying about a virus. So no thanks !

Norovirus Cases Are Rising on Cruises. Here’s How You Can Stay Safe

Keep hands clean as stomach bug cases rise.

a man on the deck of a cruise ship with a book in his lap

Larry Bleiberg,

Just as travel has begun to bounce back after the pandemic, cruise ship passengers are facing another threat to their vacation: norovirus .

Thirteen ships so far this year have reported outbreaks of the highly contagious stomach bug, the most since 2012, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . Nearly 1,700 passengers have come down with the virus, which causes vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain. Not only does it take the joy out of vacation, keeping passengers confined to their stateroom, but for older travelers, there’s a concern of dehydration, doctors say.

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The bug thrives in crowded conditions and is spread through food and by touching contaminated surfaces. The easiest way to avoid the ailment is to wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, before eating and after touching surfaces touched by others.

Samuel Mathis, M.D., an assistant professor in the University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Family Medicine, says the resilient virus can live for days and there are plenty of places for it to linger on cruise ships: “Door handles, stairway banisters, tongs for food at the buffet, things that a lot of people touch that aren’t cleaned between each use.”

And washing your own hands isn’t enough. Mathis says older passengers and others traveling with family face a risk from others in their party. For example, if grandchildren aren’t careful hand-washers, they can easily infect their grandparents and others.

Mathis, who works in Galveston, Texas, a cruise port, has seen passengers with norovirus. He says that while the virus itself is uncomfortable, it isn’t typically dangerous. “The biggest risk for almost everyone — but especially for seniors — is actually the risk of dehydration: losing all that fluid through nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”

Symptoms of dehydration include extreme thirst, lack of urination and dizziness when standing, Mathis says.

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If passengers come down with a stomach bug, they should contact the ship’s medical clinic, which will monitor for dehydration. In addition, they should stay in their cabin away from people until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours, Mathis says. “That can be really rough because you’re missing your cruise.”

The most recent norovirus outbreak was reported on the Viking Neptune cruise ship. During its June 6 to June 20 voyage, 110 of the ship’s 838 passengers, or 13.1 percent, were infected. In addition, nine of the 455 crew members were infected.

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“We believe the gastrointestinal illness originated from a shoreside restaurant in Iceland where a group of guests dined during their free time,” the cruise line said in a statement. After docking in New York, the ship was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and continued its scheduled sailings.

The CDC regularly inspects cruise ships and monitors the number of outbreaks. This year, norovirus also has been reported on cruises operated by Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America and P&O Cruises. The worst year for norovirus was 2006, when 32 ships reported infections, according to the CDC.

Cruise experts say several factors may be contributing to the rise in cases. For one, cruising has soared this year, with the number of passengers expected to surpass the total that sailed in 2019, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.

Letting down their guard

Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer at The Points Guy, a consumer travel website, says that after years of COVID-related precautions, passengers may have let their guard down.

“People are just so happy to be back, but they’ve gotten a little lax with hygiene. I personally have seen lots of people using the women’s room and not washing their hands. I don’t know if it’s subconscious rebellion or if they don’t realize what could happen.”

Kosciolek says she has made it a practice to wash her hands before going to the buffet, and then washing them again before she eats, since buffet implements aren’t sanitized after each passenger touches them.

Mathis says it might even make sense for passengers to avoid the buffet and dine only at their ship’s sit-down restaurants.

That said, the chances of catching the bug on a cruise ship aren’t particularly high. According to the Cruise Lines Industry Association , the risk each year of getting laboratory-confirmed norovirus during a ship outbreak is about 1 in 5,500. The most common settings for norovirus aren’t even at sea. Over half of all cases originate in long-term health care facilities, according to the CDC, while less than 1 percent of all norovirus cases come from cruise ships.

Kosciolek notes that while cruise ships are required to report outbreaks, many land-based cases go unreported. “It is easy for someone who has never cruised to see these news reports and say, ‘Oh my goodness, I’m never going to cruise because I’m going to get sick.’ ”

Likewise, Mathis says vacationers shouldn’t let the fear of norovirus keep them from taking a vacation.

“I do not suggest that people don’t go on cruises. When proper safety precautions are taken, cruises are fantastic opportunities for individuals to relax, to spend time with friends or family and meet new people. It really just comes down to recognizing there are risks.”

Virginia native Larry Bleiberg is president of the Society of American Travel Writers, a frequent contributor to BBC Travel and the creator of CivilRightsTravel.com .

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Norovirus: Nearly 200 sick in outbreaks on Princess, Royal Caribbean ships, CDC says

FILE - Tourists crowd upper decks and stateroom balconies as the Anthem of the Seas owned by Royal Caribbean International on Aug. 9, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Nearly 200 passengers on U.S. cruise ships suffered from diarrhea and vomiting in norovirus outbreaks in April, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reported that 94 of the 2,532 (3.71%) passengers on Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess ship reported getting sick during its current voyage. The 32-day, roundtrip cruise began on April 5 and ends on May 7, according to the cruise tracking and information site CruiseMapper .

Another 20 of the 1,066 crew members on board also reported getting sick, the CDC said.

Cruise ship rescued 14 stranded at sea for over a week

This was the scene from the lunch buffet during the first full day of cruising for the Icon of the Seas. The crew rescued all 14 from the distressed boat which was dwarfed by the largest cruise ship in the world.

On Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas ship, 67 of the 1,993 (3.36%) total passengers on board became ill during a voyage that began on April 8 and ended on April 22, according to the agency. Two crew members aboard also got sick.

In both of the norovirus outbreaks, the main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting, the CDC said.

Princess Cruises told FOX Television Stations that "at the first sign" of an increase in passengers reporting gastrointestinal illnesses, "we immediately initiated additional enhanced sanitization procedures to interrupt the person-to-person spread of this virus."

"Our sanitization program, includes disinfection measures, isolation of ill passengers and communication to passengers about steps they can take to stay well while onboard," the company told FOX Television Stations.

Royal Caribbean International did not immediately return a request for comment, but the CDC said in its notice that the company also took several steps in response to the outbreak – including isolating the sick passengers and crew members and "increased cleaning and disinfection procedures."

RELATED: 'Vampire facials' at unlicensed spa likely resulted in HIV infections: CDC

Cruise ships expose passengers to high volumes of people and new environments, which can "create the risk for illness from contaminated food, or water or, more commonly, through person-to-person contact," the CDC says.

The agency recommends that anyone feeling sick should report their illness. If it happens before the voyage, travelers can ask their cruise line about any possible alternative cruising options.

Those on board should wash their hands often to prevent illness, as well as get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.

This story was reported from Cincinnati.

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Norovirus outbreaks linked to 2 cruise ships with over 150 infected

A total of 161 passengers have reported falling ill during voyages on princess cruises' sapphire princess and royal caribbean international's radiance of the seas.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating two seemingly separate outbreaks of Norovirus linked to U.S. cruise ships.

Cases have been linked to Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess and Royal Caribbean International's Radiance of the Seas.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) is tracking the "very contagious" outbreaks following reports of passengers in distress .

CARNIVAL FREEDOM PASSENGER ONBOARD DURING FIRE RECOUNTS 'DANGEROUS, TERRIFYING' EXPERIENCE

The Radiance of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, is pictured docked at a port in Seward, Alaska. (iStock)

Approximately 67 out of 1,993 passengers on the Radiance of the Seas reported falling ill during its voyage from Tampa to Los Angeles between Apr. 8 and 22. An additional two crew members also reported illness .

The predominant symptoms reported from those affected by the Norovirus were diarrhea and vomiting.

WORRIED THE CRUISE SHIP WILL LEAVE WITHOUT YOU? KEEP THESE THINGS IN MIND

A view of the sign at the Center for Disease Control headquarters is seen in Atlanta, Georgia. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Approximately 94 of 2,532 passengers on the Sapphire Princess reported similar symptoms during its voyage from Los Angeles into the South Pacific that began Apr. 5 and is scheduled to conclude on May 7.

An additional 20 members of the 1,066 crew reported symptoms as well.

Fox Business reached out to both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International for comment on the situation but did not receive a response.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

This photo shows the Sapphire Princess cruise ship, operated by Princess Cruises, docked at the Marina Cruise center in Singapore. (ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

"Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with Norovirus," the CDC states on its website. "Norovirus is sometimes called the 'stomach flu' or 'stomach bug.' However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu, which is caused by influenza virus."

One of the biggest health risks posed by Norovirus infection is dehydration — the CDC recommends those infected drink plenty of liquids to aid recovering.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program requires cruise lines to report and document cases of illness on their ships in order to facilitate coordinated responses in case of emergency.

Norovirus on Princess, Royal Caribbean cruises sickens nearly 200 people

O utbreaks of norovirus have sickened nearly 200 people on Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International ships in the past few weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

>> Read more trending news

Ninety-four guests and 20 crew members on the Sapphire Princess reported being ill during a round-trip cruise that left Los Angeles and had stops in Hawaii and the South Pacific. The cruise began April 5 and will end on May 7, according to CruiseMapper .

According to the CDC , 67 guests and two crew members reported being sick during a Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas cruise from Tampa to Los Angeles that ended April 22.

“At the first sign of an increase in the numbers of passengers reporting to the medical center with gastrointestinal illness, we immediately initiated additional enhanced sanitation procedures to interrupt the person-to-person spread of this virus,” a Princess spokesperson told USA Today in an emailed statement.

“Our sanitation program, developed in coordination with the CDC, includes disinfection measures, isolation of ill passengers and communication to passengers about steps they can take to stay well while onboard.”

Since January, there have been three confirmed norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships under U.S. jurisdiction, according to NBC .

Norovirus is circulating at the highest level since April 2023 in various parts of the U.S., CDC records show . The highly contagious virus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, or an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. It leads to intense bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps.

Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Most people will recover on their own within three days but can spread the virus for up to a week.

FILE PHOTO: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: The Sapphire Princess docks at Circular Quay December 23, 2004 in Sydney, Australia. The Sapphire Princess is one of the ships where a norovirus outbreak was reported.

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Knot on her watch!

Tammy Barr, who says she worked on cruises for three years, reveals in a new Insider essay the six things she’d never do on board.

Barr’s nauti list includes shelling out for dining upgrades or a drink package; touching certain surfaces with bare hands; wearing a room key as a necklace; using improper maritime grammar; and risking not returning to the ship on time.

She doesn’t mean to be a keel-joy, but she stern-ly advises against “supplementary” dinner items.

“I know $12 may not seem like much for a steak or lobster tail at dinner, but the cost of the cruise is supposed to include your food,” Barr penned for Insider. “So, even though I enjoy lobster, I stick with the items without the upcharges.”

Data from late 2023 found that a five-night cruise in the Caribbean cost around $736 per person — a colossal 43% hike compared to the same time in 2019, as demand for cruise vacations spiked following the COVID-19 pandemic .

Barr keeps costs in mind while counseling against unlimited drink packages, especially for passengers who plan to leave ship bars to go ashore for the day.

Barr counsels against unlimited drink packages, especially for passengers who plan to leave the bar to go ashore for the day.

And third, Barr suggests touching common surfaces such as elevator buttons with knuckles or elbows.

“This strategy has worked for me, as I have never contracted norovirus, even when it was running rampant on a ship I was on,” Barr shared. “It’s quite contagious and can linger on your fingertips even after using hand sanitizer. I’d definitely rather be safe than sorry.”

13 outbreaks of norovirus — an easily spread stomach bug — were reported on cruises in 2023, the most since 2012, when there were 16 confirmed outbreaks.

The first norovirus cruise outbreak of 2024 was logged in January, on a Celebrity Cruises ship.

Also to stay safe, Barr recommends not wearing your room key around your neck, as it looks “pretentious” and “like an invitation to be robbed.”

Also, make sure to make it back to the ship on time, so you don't wreck your vacation.

Speaking of con-sea-ted, Barr is particular about how she identifies ships.

“Ships have proper names, and so do not require a definite article. For example, ‘Tomorrow I am embarking on Discovery Princess,’ or ‘I enjoyed scenic cruising on MS Westerdam,'” she imparts to the Insider audience.

And finally, make sure to make it back to the ship on time, so you don’t wreck your vacation.

Just last month, Norwegian Cruise Line left eight passengers stranded on a tiny island in Africa after their private tour ran late.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day. Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)? My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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Investigation Update on the Sapphire Princess

Cruise Line : Princess Cruises

Cruise Ship : Sapphire Princess

Voyage Dates : April 5–May 7, 2024

Voyage number: H408

Number of passengers who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of passengers onboard : 115 of 2,532 (4.54%)

Number of crew who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of crew onboard : 28 of 1,066 (2.62%)

Predominant symptoms : diarrhea and vomiting

Causative agent : norovirus

Actions : In response to the outbreak, Princess Cruises and the crew aboard the ship reported the following actions:

Collected stool specimens from gastrointestinal illness cases for testing.
Isolated ill passengers and crew.
Increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to the ship’s outbreak prevention and response plan.

VSP remotely monitored the situation, including review of the ship’s outbreak response and sanitation procedures.

Note : The gastrointestinal illness cases reported are totals for the entire voyage and do not represent the number of active (symptomatic) gastrointestinal cases at any given port of call or at disembarkation.

Learn how passengers can protect themselves with these tips for healthy cruising .

Inspection Reports
About Inspections
Cruise Ship Outbreak Updates
About Noroviruses on Cruise Ships
VSP Operations Manual [PDF – 5 MB]
VSP Construction Guidelines [PDF – 4 MB]
Illness Prevention Information
Publications

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

IMAGES

Cruise Ship Norovirus: Statistics & How to Avoid Sickness (2023)
Norovirus on Cruise Ships
What is Cruise Ship Norovirus? How to avoid it?
Cruise Ship Norovirus
Norovirus outbreak sickens hundreds of cruise ship passengers, crew members
Norovirus outbreak hits cruise ship passengers

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships so far in 2023. The last time the industry's yearly gastrointestinal illness outbreak total was ...
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During mid-January 2023, VSP's outbreak team boarded the ship to conduct an epidemiological and environmental investigation. ... Dunn I, et al. Notes from the Field: Cruise Ship Norovirus Outbreak Associated with Person-to-Person Transmission — United States Jurisdiction, January 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:833-834. DOI: http ...
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The Norovirus Eradication Campaign was launched in 2023 on Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises vessels with the ultimate goal of eliminating transmission of norovirus on its ships. Norovirus is referred to as "the stomach flu", and is easily spread from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and ...
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October 16, 2023. 2shares. A cruise ship norovirus outbreak was reported on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady during its October 8 sailing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ...
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By Monica Galarza and Marissa Bagg • Published July 13, 2023 ... It's the most number of reported norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships since 2012. In all, about 1,700 people reported being sick ...
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By SciTechDaily July 14, 2023. The allure of the open sea, captivating itineraries, and the luxurious promise of a carefree escape have long made cruising a popular choice for vacationers. ... The Impact of Norovirus on Cruise Industry. Cruise lines have had to invest heavily in cleaning and sanitation protocols, disease detection methods, and ...
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There have been 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships in 2023, according to the CDC, after four in 2022. CDC has reported 13 norovirus outbreaks through first half of 2023.
Ruby Princess Feb. 26
Cruise Ship: Ruby Princess. Voyage Dates: February 26-March 5, 2023. Voyage Number: RU305P. Number of passengers who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of passengers onboard: ... Causative agent: norovirus. Actions: In response to the outbreak, Princess Cruises and the crew aboard the ship reported the following actions:
Norovirus Is Rising on Cruise Ships: How to Stay Safe
The CDC regularly inspects cruise ships and monitors the number of outbreaks. This year, norovirus also has been reported on cruises operated by Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America and P&O Cruises. The worst year for norovirus was 2006, when 32 ships reported infections, according to the CDC.
Norovirus: Nearly 200 sick in outbreaks on Princess, Royal Caribbean
Nearly 200 passengers on U.S. cruise ships suffered from diarrhea and vomiting in norovirus outbreaks in April, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reported ...
A norovirus outbreak aboard Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises ships has
92 of 2,056 guests aboard Celebrity Constellation's January 3 sailing contracted norovirus. According to Gangwaze, the ship was on a 9-night cruise from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean, calling on Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico.. Cunard Line's Queen Victoria was the second ship to report norovirus onboard in 2024. . Roughly 7% of passengers, or 129 guests ...
Nearly 200 sick in norovirus outbreaks on 2 cruises, including ...
The CDC reported a norovirus outbreak on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas, which sailed from Tampa to Los Angeles from April 8 to April 22, CruiseMapper showed. According to the CDC, 67 of ...
Two Norovirus outbreaks linked to cruise lines reported by CDC
The Radiance of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, is pictured docked at a port in Seward, Alaska. (iStock) Approximately 67 out of 1,993 passengers on the Radiance of the Seas reported ...
Norovirus on Princess, Royal Caribbean cruises sickens nearly 200 people
Norovirus is circulating at the highest level since April 2023 in various parts of the U.S., CDC records show. The highly contagious virus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, or an ...
Ex-cruise worker reveals 6 things she'd never do on ships
13 outbreaks of norovirus — an easily spread stomach bug — were reported on cruises in 2023, ... The first norovirus cruise outbreak of 2024 was logged in January, on a Celebrity Cruises ship. ...
Moscow
Moscow: Welcome on board!Check in begins at 14:00 (2.00 PM), but you may board earlier or later depending on you arrival in Moscow. If you order a transfer, you will be met at the airport or train station by one of our drivers and taken by comfortable car to the river port where you will board your cruise ship (transfer is optional).
Best of Moscow by high speed train
Sure would appreciate someone who has taken Best of Moscow by high speed train from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day. Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also wha...
Facts About Noroviruses on Cruise Ships
The rate of AGE illness on cruise ships decreased during 2006-2019 for passengers and crew. Norovirus is a very contagious virus. You can get norovirus from an infected person, from contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed (acute gastroenteritis).
Moscow Luxury River Cruise
Enjoy the glamorous experience of cruising down the Moscow River on a yacht. Along the way you'll see many of the most famous and beautiful sights of the Russian capital while relaxing on board. There's a restaurant on board so you can order something to eat or drink. This is an ideal way to get a feel for Moscow, and is ideal for travelers short on time.
Investigation Update on the Sapphire Princess
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises. Cruise Ship: Sapphire Princess . Voyage Dates: April 5-May 7, 2024. Voyage number: H408 Number of passengers who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of passengers onboard: 94 of 2,532 (3.71%). Number of crew who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of crew onboard: 20 of 1,066 (1.8%) ...
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg: Your cruise departs at 5:00 PM.. PLEASE NOTE: The program of this cruise doesn't include any sightseeing in St. Petersburg. We will be glad to help you arrange a pre-cruise program in St. Petersburg (hotel, excursions, transfers), just ask your reservation specialist.

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Cruise Ship Norovirus Outbreaks

Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships in 2024

CDC cruise ship Norovirus reports

CDC ship illness outbreak investigations

Illness outbreaks on cruise ships (annual statistics)

Norovirus outbreaks 2023 reports

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Surge at Sea: Alarming Increase of Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships

What is Norovirus?

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Contaminated Food and Water

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Interruption of Planned Activities

The Impact of Norovirus on Cruise Industry

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