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.

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Most vessels have received scores in the high 90s — only one cruise ship, the MSC Seaside, has failed the CDC's sanitation inspection so far this year. The vessel received an unusually low score of 67 , nearly 20 points below the agency's passing grade.

An MSC Cruises representative told Insider at the time that the cruise line had launched an internal investigation based on the inspector's concerns and taken immediate corrective actions.

"MSC Cruises rigorously adheres to health protocols, and the results of this inspection do not reflect the brand's high standards," the person added.

In the past 10 years, only three other cruise ships have received sanitation scores below 70, CDC records show. Violations can include something as small as not posting a raw-eggs advisory on the omelet station or a single fly hovering in a food area. But before going on your next cruise adventure, it doesn't hurt to check out the ship's most recent sanitation rating.

These are the cruise ships with the highest and lowest sanitation scores so far this year:

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 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
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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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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.

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Stomach viruses are back up on cruise ships, with hundreds falling ill

The CDC has already reported 12 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruises this year

This story has been updated.

As cruise passengers return to the seas in force following a pandemic lull, an unwelcome side effect is also back: outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so far this year there have been 12 outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea that have reached the threshold for public notification on cruise ships visiting U.S. ports. The tally has already exceeded each yearly total number of outbreaks reported from 2017 to 2019.

Norovirus has been identified as the culprit in five of the 2023 cases; the others are all classified as unknown. The CDC did not immediately provide responses to questions about the increase in cases this year.

In a May outbreak, aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, 213 passengers and 35 crew reported being ill. That represents almost 11 percent of guests and about 4 percent of workers.

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“Incidence of mild gastrointestinal illness among guests onboard Nieuw Amsterdam are suspected to be the common but highly contagious Norovirus, which is typically transmitted through close contact with unwell people and includes touching shared items,” Holland America Line said in an emailed statement. “The cases have been mostly mild and quickly resolving.”

The CDC says crew on the ship, which can carry more than 2,100 passengers, increased cleaning and disinfection procedures and collected stool specimens to send to a lab to confirm the cause.

According to a CDC norovirus tracking network that uses information from 14 states, there were 735 outbreaks reported from August through April 23. There were 907 during the same period of the 2021-2022 norovirus season. Norovirus causes 19 million to 21 million illnesses on average every year in the United States, the agency says .

Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness plummeted during the pandemic, which shut down the cruise industry for more than a year and forced a slow return with multiple health precautions in place. There were no reported cases in 2020, followed by one in 2021 and four last year.

William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, told The Washington Post last year that the lower number of cruises, reduced concentration of passengers and coronavirus precautions were all factors in the drop in cases.

“The more rigorous we are with all of these hygienic measures, there’s spillover to other infectious agents,” he said.

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Health authorities say cruise passengers should wash their hands often and leave the area if they see someone get sick. If people are sick before a cruise, they should ask about alternative options and ask a doctor whether it’s safe to sail.

The Cruise Lines International Association says incidents of gastrointestinal illness are “quite rare” on ships, pointing to the millions who get sick every year on land. The group said in a statement that crew members clean and sanitize using practices developed with public health authorities, including the CDC.

“All of the efforts made by cruise ship crews cannot replace the responsibility that rests with each and every individual,” the association said. “Passengers and crew alike must also be committed to keeping themselves, their family and their fellow travelers healthy.”

Through its Vessel Sanitation Program , the CDC inspects cruise ships, monitors illness, trains crew and provides public health information. The agency releases information on outbreaks when 3 percent or more of passengers or crew report symptoms to medical staff on board.

“Norovirus can be especially challenging to control on cruise ships because of the close living quarters, shared dining areas, and rapid turnover of passengers,” the CDC says. “When the ship docks, norovirus can be brought on board in contaminated food or water or by passengers who were infected while ashore.”

Because norovirus can linger on surfaces and resists many common disinfectants, it can result in outbreaks on back-to-back cruises. Still, the agency says that norovirus on cruise ships only account for 1 percent of reported outbreaks of the illness and notes that “acute gastrointestinal illness is relatively infrequent” on ships.

“Health officials track illness on cruise ships,” the CDC says . “So outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land.”

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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 .

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Outbreaks on Cruise Ships in VSP's Jurisdiction

At a glance.

Learn more about outbreaks of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on cruise ships in the Vessel Sanitation Program's (VSP) jurisdiction, including outbreak details and actions taken in response.

2024 outbreaks

About outbreak reporting.

We post outbreaks when they meet all the following criteria:

• Ship is under VSP jurisdiction (on voyages including both U.S. and foreign ports)
• Ship carries 100 or more passengers
• Voyage is 3-21 days long
• Voyage has 3% or more of passengers or crew reporting symptoms of GI illness to the ship's medical staff

We may also post information on outbreaks of public health significance that do not necessarily meet the above criteria.

Notes about the data

GI illness is a commonly used term for acute gastroenteritis (AGE).

Cruise ships report cases that meet our case definition for AGE. We define a reportable case of AGE as

• three or more loose stools within a 24-hour period or what is more than normal for that person OR
• vomiting along with one of the following symptoms: diarrhea, muscle ache, headache, abdominal cramp, or fever.

What case totals mean‎

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

Find more information on

• VSP outbreak response
• Earlier outbreaks (2019-2023)
• Archived outbreaks (1993–2018)

Read our publication on cruise ship GI outbreaks during 2006-2019.

The Vessel Sanitation Program helps the cruise ship industry prevent and control the introduction and spread of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships.

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Russian River Cruises

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

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Russian River Cruises fleet

Ms pyotr velikiy, ms mustai karim, scenic tsar, viking akun, viking ingvar, ms general lavrinenkov, ms lunnaya sonata, viking truvor, ms yuri andropov, ms zosima shashkov, ms crucelake-lebedinoe ozero, ms leonid sobolev, ms mikhail sholokhov, review of russian river cruises.

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" hub provides detailed information on ships, itineraries, tours and prices on cruises along rivers and lakes in Russia. Here you'll also find concise info on the largest Russian cruise companies, including Vodohod , Mosturflot , Infoflot , Doninturflot-Orthodox , Imperial River Cruises Russia .

In the "Fleet" section you will find an extensive list or Russian cruise ships. By following each ship link you will find the ship's review, deck plans, scheduled itineraries and cruise pricing information. Live ship tracking is also provided on a digital map. It shows the vessel's current location, cruising speed and course.

In the "Itinerary" section you will find maps and day-by-day scheduled activities planned by Europe's largest cruise companies, also operating in Russia via chartered riverboats.

Volga River Cruises in Russia

Volga river cruising in Russia places you in another time. The longest and largest river in Europe stretches from Ivan the Terrible to Catherine the Great. Today, live along the central artery of Russia looks like it always has - the villages, the churches, the people, just like an old painting you have seen in a gallery.

The Volga flows through central Russia into the Caspian Sea and is often called the national river of Russia. 11 of the 20 largest cities of the country, including the capital Moscow, are in Volga's watershed. Some of the world's largest reservoirs can be found along the river, which has a symbolic meaning in Russian culture, referred to as Mother Volga (Volga Matushka) in Russian folklore and literature.

Explore the land of the Tsars while sailing down the historic Volga river, typically between Moscow and St Petersburg , the traditional homeports (of embarkation and debarkation). Tour landmarks are the Red Square and Kremlin in Moscow, the Hermitage and Catherine Palace in St Petersburg.

Once unthinkable as a cruise vacation destination, Russia is today more accessible than ever, with stops along its largest European lakes and rivers. For river travel lovers accustomed to European itineraries, the Russian experience will be quite different. Russia has a special feel of uniquely designed riverboats. Built to handle larger lakes (Lake Ladoga for example, is the largest European freshwater body of water), these vessels usually feature larger size and capacity (up to six decks), deeper draft, and most of them are refurbished instead of being newbuild.

The itineraries offered are activity-intensive in Moscow and St Petersburg, with long periods of cruising and less ashore time in the middle. Smaller "Golden Ring" cities (so named due to their historic significance) are full of icon-riddled monasteries and Orthodox churches. Most cruise lines hire local experts and fill the days of sailing along the river with lectures on country's history, cooking demonstrations and language lessons.

Most of the tours offered by the companies sailing along Volga River are identical, so customers choosing between the different itineraries should look at how the river ships spend the time within Moscow and St. Petersburg. Some lines have their guests stay onboard, which can be as far as 1 hour out of both cities. Others put their clients up at hotels near the center of the city, with several meals at customer's expense.

Compared with other river routes, Russia features a short season, between early May and late October, with high season in June (known as White Nights because of the endless daylight), July and August. Even if the weather is chilly, there are some advantages to sailing early or late: you'll beat the crowds which can make a visit to the Hermitage a bear. Most Russian museums lack air-conditioning, and while the climate is generally temperate, in the summer Moscow often experiences high humidity heat waves.

Remember to think about your Russian visa at least 2 months before your voyage, to have enough time to fill out the paperwork, including a lengthy online application. And don't forget that the Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Even in the cities, you'll rarely find signs in English, so learning some letters and a few phrases will help you get around.

Doninturflot-Orthodox Cruise Company

Orthodox Cruise Company operates a fleet of USSR-design large river ships and serves mainly foreign tourists. The parent company Doninturflot (established in 1992) is the shipowner and manages the fleet.

• Doninturflot started operations with the ships MS Maxim Litvinov, MS Mikhail Sholokhov and MS Sergei Dyagilev.
• Since 2002, Docturflot charters Akademik Glushkov (currently MS Igor Stravinsky) owned by OOO Rosflotinvest.
• In 2004 was acquired MS Anton Chekhov from Yenisei River Shipping Company (Russia).
• In 2006 were acquired MS Peter Tchaikovsky and MS Ivan Bunin from the Moscow-based cruise shipping company "Passenger Port".
• In 2008 was bought MS General Lavrinenkov from "Ukrrechflot" (Ukraine).
• In 2011 was bought MS Marshal Koshevoy (from Ukrrichflot, Ukraine) but in April 2013 the ship was sold to Viking Cruises (now operates as Viking Akun ).
• In 2016, was purchased MS Tikhi Don from the UK-based Grand Circle Travel company. In 2017, the ship started operations for Orthodox Cruise Company serving international tourists.

Imperial River Cruises Russia

"Imperial River Cruises Russia" was founded in 1992 and operates on inland waterways in both Russia and Ukraine. Company's chartered ships navigate on the rivers Volga, Don, Neva, Svir, Dnieper (also on the Danube) and the Russian lakes Onega and Ladoga.

The most operated itineraries are between Moscow and St Petersburg (visiting Uglich, Kostrom, Yaroslavl, Goritzy). Specially designed itineraries visit Vladimir, Suzdal, Zagorsk, Solovki Island. Also offered are itineraries Moscow-Volgograd and Moscow-Rostov, roundtrips from Kiev, and even grand voyages connecting two seas - Baltic and Black. Also offered are themed cruises - especially on food and music, with live performances by grand orchestras and choirs.

Imperial River Cruises Russia has an exclusive partnership with "Orthodox Cruise Company" - one of Russia's largest tour operators. As their names suggest, both companies target mainly foreign tourists - booking in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia. Ships' capacity varies between 180-250 passengers. English (or German) speaking licensed tour guides are provided on all excursions. The daily onboard entertainment program offers live musical performances, folk shows, enrichment lectures.

Russian river cruise deals

• Departure port (dock/berth), check-in, boarding and landing times are indicated on the company's website and on passenger boarding passes. Ship's exact departure time is clarified on the website the day prior departure.
• Kids discount ticket prices are offered for children up to 14 years of age (14-yo including), the age being fixed on departure day.
• Kids from 2 to 5 years of age (5-yo including) travel free of charge, but without providing an additional bed (if there are no free beds in the cabin). Shore excursions are also free of charge.
• Toddlers (kids under 2) travel free of charge, but the bed, food, and tour services are not provided. Extra beds in staterooms (baby cribs, cots) are not available on the ship.
• TWIN (double cabin) single supplement rate is 75%.
• Ticket prices are inclusive of 3 meals a day. Onboard dining includes Breakfast (buffet style, drinks - cocoa, milk, juices, hot-cold dishes), Lunch (buffet style) and Dinner (waiter-served, 1 Starter, 1 Main course (choice of 3 / meat-fish-vegetarian), 1 Dessert (choice of 2 or fruits). Water in pitchers is always provided. Tea/coffee is served.
• On embarkation day and disembarkation day (at the end of the voyage) meal times depend on landing times. If a land tour coincides with a meal time (lunch), passengers are provided with complimentary food at a local restaurant (cafe) or given "dry rations".
• Ticket price inclusive onboard events are Welcome Aboard ("bread and salt" ceremony), Welcome Cocktail (complimentary 1 glass of champagne or juice per person), "Tea Ceremony" (with traditional pies), "Vodka Show" (blini and vodka tasting), Cocktail Party (once per cruise, complimentary 1 cocktail per person), Captain's Dinner (gourmet menu, once per cruise), mulled wine or ice tea (weather-depending / upon returning from excursions), complimentary Coffee Station (coffee, hot water, packed tea, milk, cocoa, cookies), 1 bottled water (0.33l pp per day in cabins). Tickets are also inclusive of foreign language speaking guide services, onboard entertainment (language class, singing lessons, live music, nightly dancing music, Wheelhouse tour).
• Complimentary excursions are detailed in the ship's cruise itinerary program. Optional tours are available for onboard booking. For excursion services, foreigner passengers may be charged with additional fee pp per day (varies by cruise tour length).
• Cruise tickets don't include land transfers (excepting foreign travel agency bookings), beverages and snacks (in onboard bars-lounges), phone calls, sauna visits, optional excursions, travel insurance, gratuities, personal spendings. Ticket prices include 18% VAT.
• Smoking on the ship is allowed only in designated areas (marked with "Place for smoking" signs). Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces and on open decks (except at designated areas).
• On most ships are available health gymnastics and morning exercises (led by a certified physician/ship's doctor), oxygen cocktail, dietary food.
• On most ships are provided (free of charge) the following medical services - emergency medical care (assistance required for sudden acute illnesses, conditions, exacerbation of chronic diseases), measurement of blood pressure and body temperature, primary treatment of wounds.
• Boarding starts 2 hours prior to departure. All passengers must be boarded at least an hour prior to departure. Late passengers missing their cruise tour are not refunded.
• Russia's main river cruise departure ports are Moscow , St Petersburg , Astrakhan , Nizhny Novgorod , Perm , Samara , Kazan , Volgograd , Rostov-on-Don , Saratov .

Russian cruise ships

Currently, in Russia is operated a huge fleet of over 200 river cruise ships. All these vessels were built during the USSR (Soviet Union) times, roughly in the period between 1950-1990. Depending on class and series, these boats differ in terms of size, equipment (different engine designs), passenger capacity, onboard facilities and venues, cabins (types and number). Amenities additionally differ by shipowner (cruise company).

All these old-design Russian ships were completely refurbished and rebuilt for their new shipowners, Some of these ships are operated (via partnerships or under charter) also by foreign companies (like Viking, CroisiEurope, Uniworld, AMAwaterways, Grand Circle, Nicko). During their multi-million-dollar drydock refits, vessels passenger capacities were considerably reduced to improve travel comfort and safety.

Most boats are of the following classes:

• "Rossiya" (Project 785, 36 vessels built 1952-1958)
• "Baykal" (Project 646, 15 units built 1953-1956)
• "Rodina" (Project 588, 49 vessels built 1954-1961)
• "Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsiya" (Project 26-37, 14 units built 1957-1962)
• "Dunay" (Project 305, 47 vessels built between 1959-1964)
• "Kuybyshev" (Project OL400, 9 units built 1975-1983)
• "Vladimir Ilyich" (Project 301, 22 vessels built between 1975-1983)
• "Dmitri Furmanov" (Project 302, 27 vessels built between 1983-1991)

Regardless of their age, all these motor ships undergo regular drydock refurbishments , machinery and safety checks, scheduled repairs (including annual surveys). Drydocks are every 5 years and include repairs, hull inspection, propulsion-steering inspection, general maintenance works.

Each ship is equipped with life-saving appliances (lifeboats and rafts) in amounts exceeding the boat's max passenger and crew capacity. Each cabin is equipped with lifejackets with illustrated instructions in several languages. All ships are equipped with modern fire-fighting systems. Crew and staff are experienced and highly professional certified employees.

Itinerary of Russian River Cruises

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" itinerary section provides information on itineraries and ports of call offered by the largest Russian and European river cruise companies - Vodohod, Viking, Uniworld, Scenic, CroisiEurope. Each foreign company has a partnership with a local company and operates as a joint venture one or more Russian ships.

For detailed itinerary information (routes) visit our pages of the following departure ports - Saratov , Volgograd , Samara , Perm , Nizhny Novgorod , Cheboksary , Rostov-on-Don ,  Kazan , Astrakhan , Moscow , St Petersburg .

Volga River cruise ports highlights

• St Petersburg (Russia's second-largest city - after Moscow) was built by Tzar Peter the Great in 1703. It is located in the Neva River delta (Gulf of Finland's east coast). Saint Petersburg includes the territories of more than 130 islands interconnected by over 300 bridges. The city has a huge number of cultural and historical sights, architectural landmarks, museums, magnificent palaces (Russian Tsars' former residences), grand parks, wide avenues, bridges, numerous monuments. Among its most famous tourist attractions are the Hermitage museum (housing over 2 million pieces of art). Two days is never enough to see everything in this remarkable city. However, passengers will usually visit the Hermitage, admire the city's 19th-century architecture during a canal cruise tour, take in a cultural performance, visit one of the Versailles-style palaces in St. Petersburg's countryside (Pushkin or Peterhof).
• Moscow (Russian Federation's capital and largest city) was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. The city was destroyed several times - by the Mongolians, Napoleon, the Nazis. The heart of the city lies in the Red Square, which contains Lenin's Tomb, St Basil's Cathedral, and GUM Department Store. Kremlin's red walls also border the square. Inside the fort are the Armoury (containing the Faberge eggs) and 9 onion-domed churches. Art-fans can seek out Pushkin Gallery or see a show at Bolshoi Theatre.
• Yaroslavl is one of the Golden Ring cities of Russia, and the largest city to visit during the middle of your Volga cruise. The town is famous for its gorgeous churches. It also offers several pedestrian-only streets full of shops and cafes, as well as a lovely embankment used as a park.
• Uglich has a provincial setting. It was found in the 10th century and was a scene of some of medieval Russian history's most remarkable events. Here were exiled the Ivan Terrible’s 7th wife and her son Tsarevich Dmitry. Soon after, Tsarevich was mysteriously murdered here. Soon after, a dedicated to this event church ("Church of St. Demetrius on the Blood") was erected. Within the Uglich Kremlin walls is the town's oldest building - "Prince’s Palace". Other attractions are St. John’s Church and the Transfiguration Cathedral.
• Astrakhan was founded at the end of the 13th century and is located on the Volga's left bank. Port’s activities extend 100 km downstream and over 300 km upstream along the river. The city is a major trading center and its main business is freight shipping (coal, timber, salt, food, industrial products). Astrakhan is not linked to the railroad network. Cargoes are transferred by floating cranes from river ships to seagoing vessels.
• Goritsy is a small village on River Sheksna, famous for its Resurrection Convent, At approx 4 ml (7 km) from Goritsy is Kirillov - a pilgrimage site with many historical and architectural monuments. Among those are the Kirillo-Belozerski monastery, Ferapont monastery (UNESCO site), 12 churches, 25 civil monuments.
• Kizhi Island (Lake Onega) is located approx 70 km (40 ml) to the northeast of Petrozavodsk. The island has two onion-domed churches. Also here is the 17th-century-built 22-domed church - constructed without using a single nail. Its "Church of the Transfiguration of our Savior" and "Church of the Intercession" were rebuilt several times and are preserved in their original 17th-century design.
• Mandrogi (Mandroga) is a small village on the Svir river recently created as a tourist attraction. It features small wooden log cabin houses. Its “town of masters” is a market for hand-made Russian art craft, including paintings, painted wooden dolls, embroidery, pottery. Other attractions are the elk nursery and the quail farm, horse-riding tours, food tasting (pastry), vodka tasting (museum of Russian vodka).
• Kostroma is also one of the Golden Ring cities, and once was one of Russia's 3 largest cities - after Moscow and Yaroslavl, It is located at the confluence of the rivers Volga and Kostroma. Among the attractions are the St Ipathy monastery, an open-air museum (traditional wooden architecture- izbas, mills, churches are gathered in one place).
• Kizhi is famous the whole world over. It has become the symbol of the grandeur of unique Russian culture. Visiting the Kizhi Islands gives a great chance to appreciate the enchanting medieval atmosphere and get acquainted with the customs and free spirit of men living in a spacious area with a rigorous climate
• Kazan. The largest port in the Volga basin, it transships cargoes transported by water alone or by water and rail. The port receives coal from Kuznetsk Basin for Kazan's heat and electric power plant, food and industrial products, and ships out products of city's enterprises and Siberian timber. The port includes Tsentral’nyi, Kama, and Volga cargo areas, as well as a number of landings, the biggest of which is Naberezhnye Chelny and Chistopol’. The basin of the Tsentral’nyi Cargo Area and passenger area are protected by a breakwater.
• Novgorod (Nizhniy Novgorod) is an ancient stronghold founded by Gran Prince Yuri as a frontier post, is now the 5th largest city of Russia as well as one of the main centers of river tourism in the country. In the 19th century, Nizhniy became the trade center of the whole state as it was the place of the biggest fair in the Russian Empire. A proverb of that time says: "Moscow is the heart of Russia, St. Petersburg is its head, and Nizhniy Novgorod - its pocketbook". The city was renamed "Gorky" in Soviet times, in honor of the writer Maxim Gorky, born there. Until 1990, Nizhniy Novgorod was “closed” to foreigners as USSR protected its military secrets. Nizhniy Novgorod is included in the UNESCO list of 100 cities constituting world cultural and historical value.
• Samara - during the Soviet period the city was named Kuybyshev, in honor of the Soviet party figure Valerian Kuybyshev. The shortest ways from Central and Western Europe to Kazakhstan, Siberia, and Central Asia run through Samara. The city has a rich cultural heritage: Alexey Tolstoy spent his childhood and youth there. Maxim Gorky started his literary career in the city - he worked in "Samara Newspaper". The Czech writer Yaroslav Gashek also worked in Samara, during the Civil war. Famous artists like Ilya Repin, Ivan Ayvazovsky, Vasily Surikov, lived in the city. During the Great Patriotic War, the Seventh Symphony of Dmitry Shostakovich was performed in Samara for the first time.
• Tver - the White Trinity Church (1564) is the sole ancient monument of Tver as in 1763, there was a great fire after which the city was rebuilt in Neoclassical style. There are also a lot of buildings of Catherine the Great. Tver State University is highly rated in the region. In 1931, Tver received the name Kalinin, in honor of the Soviet leader Mikhail Kalinin. The city was occupied by the German army in 1941. Only 2 months later it became the first big city in Europe liberated from the occupation.
• Ulyanovsk is located on the right bank of the Kuibyshev Reservoir. Port's activities extend 90 km downstream and 100 km upstream along the Volga. The port unloads mineral construction materials, food, and industrial products for the cities of Saransk and Uljanovsk, and ships out coal from Kuznetsk Basin, automobiles, foodstuffs. Its passenger area was rebuilt in 1969 and includes a large number of landings, the biggest being Melekess and Sengilei. The basin of the port of Ulyanovsk is protected by a breakwater.
• Saratov (founded in 1590) is the capital city of a huge province that as size equals the territories of Albania, Belgium and Switzerland combined. In the late 19th century, Saratov became a center for industry and trade, Among the city's attractions, are Moskovskaya street (Europe's longest straight street), one of Europe's longest bridges (2,8 km long), children’s theater, puppet theater, Russia’s oldest circus, musical conservatory, beaches, Art Galleries, Lipki Park, two large casinos.
• Volgograd (currently Stalingrad) was founded in 1589. This is a major port and shipping hub linking Donets Basin with the Urals and Upper Volga Region. It ships grain, coal, food, and industrial products upstream and receives mineral construction materials and timber. The port’s districts are situated within the cities of Volzhsk and Volgograd (Tsentral’nyi). Kamyshin is the biggest landing belonging to the port. Among Volgograd's attractions is the Mamayev Hill with numerous sculptures devoted to the WW2 victims and topped with the world’s largest freestanding statue “Mother Russia” (height 52 m / 171 ft). Adjacent is the "Museum of the Defense" (war artifacts, weapons, uniforms).

All ships listed here operate on Russian waterways. To this long list should be additionally added the following boats, which are currently listed in the fleets of their own companies:

• Scenic Tsar (company Scenic Cruises )
• River Victoria (company Uniworld )
• Viking Rurik , Viking Akun , Viking Helgi , Viking Ingvar , Viking Truvor (company Viking Cruises )

Viking River Cruises in Russia - Itinerary "Waterways of the Tsars"

Viking's itinerary is named "Waterways of the Tsars" (13-day cruise) inclusive of:

• all transfers and port charges
• Riverview stateroom
• 10 guided tours (audio headsets provided)
• all onboard meals (including 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners, Welcome Cocktail Reception, Gala Dinner)
• complimentary beverages (wine, beer, and soft drinks with all dinners and lunches)
• complimentary Wi-Fi
• visiting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• enrichment events (onshore live music and dance performances), onboard Russian language lessons, history-themed lectures, Russian cooking workshop, Russian tea time).
• Viking's Russian cruise fares are between USD 5,100 - 5,600 PP. Prices are inclusive of international airfare from 30 USA airports.
• Airport transfers (meet & greet) are included only when flights are purchased through Viking Cruises.

Optional (additionally priced) extensions are:

• (pre-cruise) 2-night Moscow hotel package (Radisson Royal Hotel or similar), with included 2 breakfasts, Moscow Subway guided tour, Viking host services.
• (post-cruise) 3-night Helsinki hotel package (Radisson Blu Plaza or similar), with included 3 breakfasts, guided walking tour, Viking host services, train travel (St Petersburg to Helsinki), all hotel and ship transfers.

Itineraries are two: northbound (Moscow to St Petersburg) or the reverse southbound (St Petersburg to Moscow).

• (Day 1) Moscow arrival, airport to ship transfer, onboard dinner
• (Day 2) half-day Moscow tour (Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, GUM Department Store, Moscow Metro)
• (Day 3) free time full-day Moscow touring, or an optional morning tour to Tretyakov Gallery Russian fine art museum). Other optional tours are in the afternoon (Cosmonaut Museum, Jewish Moscow) and in the evening (Moscow by Night).
• (Day 4) Moscow tour to Kremlin (Tsar’s Canon, Tsar’s Bell, 2 cathedrals), scenic Moscow Canal cruise (after lunch) as the ships departs the city.
• (Day 5) Uglich arrival (after lunch), disembarkation for a guided walking tour (Kremlin of Uglich, Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, tea at a local family home), before dinner departure
• (Day 6) Yaroslavl arrival in the morning, guided tour (covered food market, handcrafted souvenirs shopping), free time, ship lunch, departure.
• (Day 7) Kuzino morning arrival, tour to Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (guided walk- wooden chapels, Assumption Cathedral, museum), children’s school, ship lunch, afternoon departure.
• (Day 8) Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) afternoon arrival, walking tour (Open Air Museum of Architecture- wooden houses, windmills, churches, Preobranzhenskaya Church), evening departure.
• (Day 9) Mandrogy (Svir River cruising) afternoon arrival (Vodka Museum, handmade Russian craft shopping, optional banya / Russian bathhouse visit, optional tour (matryoshka doll making workshop), Lake Ladoga cruising to Neva River.
• (Day 10) — St Petersburg (Neva River cruising), early morning arrival, onboard breakfast, guided tour (Winter Palace, Hermitage Museum), onboard dinner and evening live Russian ballet performance.
• (Day 11) St Petersburg tour to Pushkin district (Catherine Palace), ship lunch, city tour (St Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt), optional evening folklore performance.
• (Day 12) free time St Petersburg touring (optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, optional afternoon kommunalka tour, optional St Petersburg canal cruise from), onboard lunch and dinner.
• (Day 13) St Petersburg - onboard breakfast, ship disembarkation, ship to airport transfer for the return flight.

Uniworld Cruises in Russia - itinerary "Imperial Waterways of Russia"

The 13-day long itinerary is named "Imperial Waterways of Russia" and operated by the ship River Victoria. Uniworld's Russian cruise fares range between USD 5,200 and 9,900 PP (depending on cabin category.

• Day 1 – Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport arrival, ship transfer, embarkation)
• Day 2 – Moscow (city tour, metro tour, Arbat Street) - Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, Russian lunch included, onboard Captain’s Welcome Reception, Gala Dinner
• Day 3 – Moscow (Kremlin, Armory Museum)
• Day 4 – Moscow (leisure day)
• Day 5 – Moscow Canal and Volga River cruising to Uglich (walking tour)
• Day 6 – Yaroslavl (Lake Rybinsk cruising) - city tour
• Day 7 – Goritsy (Lake Onega cruising) - monasteries, St Cyril of the White Lake Monastery, Children’s Arts and Crafts,
• Day 8 – Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) - Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture
• Day 9 – Svir River cruising to Mandrogi, Lake Ladoga cruising - Mandrogi walk tour (picnic lunch)
• Day 10 – St Petersburg (city tour, canal cruise, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, ballet performance at Alexandrinsky Theatre)
• Day 11 – St Petersburg (Catherine Palace, Pushkin Park)
• Day 12 – St Petersburg (Winter Palace - Hermitage Museum, Captain’s Farewell Reception, Gala Dinner)
• Day 13 – St Petersburg (disembarkation, transfer and return flight).

Scenic River Cruises in Russia - itinerary "The Imperial Wonders Of Russia"

The itinerary is operated by Scenic Tzar and named "Imperial Jewels of Russia". Its duration is 15-day, along Volga and Svir rivers. Scenic Cruises deals are inclusive of:

• Scenic Enrich - handcrafted, Scenic passengers exclusive tour experiences (private shows, family meals prepared by local hosts)
• Scenic Sundowners - exclusive cocktail events
• all onboard meals (including complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunches and dinners)
• onboard doctor
• onboard entertainment
• in-cabin room service
• Wi-Fi internet (Mac mini infotainment system via the cabin's TV)
• all gratuities
• Scenic's Russian cruise fares are USD 11,500 PP.

Day-by-day itinerary info: Day 1 (Moscow), Day 2 (Moscow, Sundowners canal cruise), Day 3 (Moscow - Kremlin), Day 4 (Moscow - Cosmonaut meeting), Day 5 (Moscow - Tretyakov Gallery), Day 6 (Uglich), Day 7 (Yaroslavl - city tour), Day 8 (Goritsy - Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery), Day 9 (Kizhi Island - Church of Transfiguration), Day 10 (Mandrogi - Museum village), Day 11 (St Petersburg - Hermitage), Day 12 (St Petersburg - Peterhof Palace), Day 13 (St Petersburg - Private Ballet performance), Day 14 (St Petersburg - canal cruise), Day 15 (return flight).

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg
• Cruise Highlights
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Russia is again welcoming travelers!

• A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
• Regular flights are now operating to / from Russia
• Visas can be issues quickly (Volga Dream provides your invitation)
• All Volga Dream personnel and guides are fully vacinated
• Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
• Volga Dream arranges PCR-tests if needed for your outbound flight

Check our COVID-19 Policy page to learn more.

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Luxurious river cruises in russia.

Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

2022 Cruise Season

Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

Find Your Cruise

Select destination Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg

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A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

Download Our Brochure

It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

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Norovirus: Wie hoch ist das Risiko auf Kreuzfahrtschiffen?

Auf Kreuzfahrtschiffen verbringen viele Menschen auf vergleichsweise engem Raum ihren Urlaub: Da werden sich ausbreitende Keime schnell zum Problem. Immer mal wieder liest man beispielsweise von Norovirus-Ausbrüchen auf Schiffen. 2024 gab es unter anderem Vorfälle auf der «Queen Victoria» von Cunard und der «Celebrity Constellation» von Celebrity Cruises.

Warum insbesondere das Norovirus eine Herausforderung ist und wie Reedereien damit umgehen, weiß Christian Ottomann. Der Mediziner ist Gründer der Schiffsarztbörse, die Ärzte und Ärztinnen für Einsätze auf hoher See und Flüssen vermittelt.

Ottomann war selbst schon diverse Male als Schiffsarzt unterwegs. Im Interview erklärt der Fachmann auch, warum Seekrankheit bei Kreuzfahrten nur noch selten ein Problem ist - aber wenn, dann durchaus heftig.

Drei Erreger-Gruppen herausfordernd

Frage: Man liest immer mal wieder von Viruserkrankungen, die auf Schiffen ausbrechen und sich verbreiten. Zuletzt gab es etwa im Januar einen Norovirus-Ausbruch auf einem Schiff von Celebrity Cruises, knapp 100 von der gut 2000 Passagiere erkrankten. Wie hoch ist generell das Risiko von Infektionskrankheiten auf Kreuzfahrten?

Christian Ottomann: Wir haben drei Erreger-Gruppen, die Herausforderungen sein können. Da ist das Corona-Virus, aber das hat nachgelassen. Dann haben wir Legionellen. Die werden durch defekte oder schlecht gewartete Wasserleitungen oder Klimaanlagen verbreitet. Durch die Sanitation Officer, die sich an Bord um die Luft- und Trinkwasserhygiene kümmern, sind Legionellen aber eigentlich auch kein wirkliches Thema mehr auf Kreuzfahrten.

Das größte Problem, was Infektionen an Bord betrifft, ist das Norovirus. Dieser Magen-Darm-Virus überträgt sich durch Schmierinfektion. Fast immer infizieren sich Passagiere damit während eines Landgangs und bringen den Erreger dann mit an Bord.

Alarmstufe Grün, Gelb, Rot

Frage: Was passiert auf dem Schiff, wenn so ein Fall eintritt und es dadurch zu einem Ausbruch kommt, sich also viele weitere Passagiere anstecken?

Ottomann: Grundsätzlich wird ganz genau darauf geachtet und dokumentiert, wie viele Menschen an Bord gastrointestinale Beschwerden, also Magen-Darm-Probleme, haben. Ab einer bestimmten Fallzahl werden Maßnahmen ergriffen. Dabei gibt es drei Level: Grün, Gelb, Rot.

Wenn es unter zehn Fälle sind, ist alles noch im grünen Bereich. Wenn dann aber plötzlich mehr als zehn Passagiere an Durchfallerkrankungen leiden, wird die nächste Stufe aktiviert. Dann gibt es genau durchstrukturierte Pläne. Maßnahmen sind dann zum Beispiel, dass Relings und Aufzugtasten engmaschig desinfiziert werden. Die rote Stufe hat noch strengere Einschränkungen zur Folge: Dann können zum Beispiel die offenen Essensbuffets geschlossen werden.

In jedem Fall gibt es genaue Rollenpläne und Protokolle. Die Reedereien und Kreuzfahrt-Veranstalter sind so gut organisiert, dass Ausbrüche ausgesprochen selten sind. Natürlich gibt es noch Einzelfälle, bei denen das nicht verhindert werden konnte.

Ottomann: Kreuzfahrtindustrie gewinnorientiert

Frage: Was sind denn aus Ihrer Erfahrung die häufigsten gesundheitlichen Probleme von Passagieren auf Kreuzfahrtschiffen - die Seekrankheit?

Ottomann: Nicht unbedingt. Was häufig vorkommt, ist die klassische Trias Husten, Schnupfen, Heiserkeit. Gerade in wärmeren Zielgebieten entwickeln Passagiere durch die Temperaturwechsel zwischen Hitze und Klimaanlage gerne mal grippeähnliche Symptome.

Dagegen ist die Seekrankheit auf großen Kreuzfahrtschiffen inzwischen wirklich selten geworden. Dazu tragen Stabilisatoren in den Schiffen bei, die den Wellengang ausgleichen. Dazu kommt, dass die Schiffe oft nah am Land operieren, da die Landausflüge ein wichtiger Einnahmefaktor sind. Und wenn Unwetter absehbar sind, versuchen die Kapitäne in der Regel, diesen großräumig auszuweichen.

Denn man kann einfach sagen, dass die Kreuzfahrtindustrie gewinnmaximiert ist. Und ein Passagier, der krank ist, konsumiert nicht. Auch deswegen wird alles getan, damit die Passagiere gesund bleiben und nicht seekrank werden.

Nur: Wenn man wirklich mal in schwere See gerät, hat man - wenn man Pech hat - plötzlich hunderte Passagiere im Bordhospital, die über Seekrankheit klagen.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Christian Ottomann, 50, hat als Verbrennungschirurg lange in einem Berliner Krankenhaus gearbeitet. Während eines Sabbaticals 2008 war er erstmals als Schiffsarzt im Einsatz und seitdem in dieser Position auf diversen Kreuzfahrt- und Forschungsschiffen. 2010 hat Ottomann das Webportal Schiffsarztbörse gegründet.

Hintergrund: Laut internationalem Übereinkommen muss bei Schiffen, die mit mehr als 100 Personen an Bord haben und mehr als drei Tage unterwegs sind, ein Schiffsarzt an Bord sein. Bei Schiffen unter deutscher Flagge liegt die Grenze bei 75 Personen. Große Kreuzfahrtschiffe haben oft mehrere Medizinerinnen und Mediziner an Bord und verfügen über ein gut ausgestattetes Bordhospital.

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Russian River Cruises 2024