A significant uptick in gastrointestinal illnesses has been recorded on cruise ships, marking 2024 as the worst year for such outbreaks in more than a decade, according to recent data from the CDC.
The cruise industry, despite its burgeoning popularity with an estimated 37.1 million passengers expected in 2025, is facing a concerning increase in gastrointestinal outbreaks. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 2024 witnessed the highest number of outbreaks on cruise ships in over ten years, with the highly contagious norovirus being the predominant culprit.
Norovirus, often dubbed the ‘cruise ship virus,’ is notorious for its rapid spread in close quarters. In December alone, five cruise ships suffered from norovirus outbreaks, affecting hundreds of passengers on lines including Cunard, Holland America, and Princess Cruises. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, highlighted the ease with which norovirus spreads, emphasizing its ability to survive on surfaces for days and initiate infections with minimal exposure to viral particles.
While norovirus led the outbreak count in 2024, other pathogens were also responsible for illnesses. For instance, a September outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas was linked to salmonella, and a spring incident on Silversea’s Silver Nova involved E.coli. Mysteriously, the cause behind a May outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas remains unidentified.
The CDC detailed 16 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships throughout 2024, surpassing the 14 reported in 2023. However, this rise in cases does not yet signal a long-term trend, as the data from 2020 to 2022 were notably low due to the pandemic-influenced suspension of cruise operations. In contrast, 2019 recorded only ten outbreaks, reflecting a period of fewer occurrences prior to the pandemic.
Despite these challenges, the cruise industry maintains that incidents of illness aboard are rare and that swift reporting protocols aid in outbreak management. The CDC notes that the confined environment of cruise ships allows for more immediate detection and response compared to land-based settings.
To mitigate the spread of infections, passengers exhibiting symptoms are urged to report their condition promptly and adhere to medical advice. Regular hand washing, especially after bathroom use and before meals, is recommended. Although cruise companies implement rigorous cleanliness protocols, including quarantine measures and increased disinfection, Dr. Schaffner warns that the persistent nature of norovirus often overcomes these barriers.
Looking forward, experts like Schaffner are hesitant to predict whether this surge in norovirus will continue into subsequent seasons. He advises potential cruisers to prioritize health by staying home if feeling unwell and following strict hygiene practices on board. Particularly, soap and water are preferred over alcohol-based sanitizers, which are less effective against norovirus.
As the cruise industry continues to expand, addressing the recurrent issue of gastrointestinal illnesses remains critical. Passengers and operators alike must remain vigilant, practicing proper hygiene and following health guidelines to ensure safer journeys.
Source: Wsvn
