NEWS: The CDC Is Reporting THREE Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships This December

By Brian Delpozo
Posted on Posted on

Take heed if you’re heading on a cruise soon.

The Disney Treasure!

Over the last several years, the cruise industry has exploded in popularity following the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2024 expected to finish with a 6% increase in cruise passengers since 2019. This has led to a boom in ship construction, such as the large expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. However, according to the CDC, that surge in popularity has coincided with a jump in cases of the so-called “cruise ship virus.”

As per a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were three confirmed outbreaks of norovirus on three cruise ships, totaling over 300 cases. Norovirus is a virus that “causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines,” and leads to vomiting and diarrhea.

The outbreaks occurred on the following voyages:

  • During a cruise from San Francisco to Hawaii, Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess reported 103 of 3,001 passengers and 12 of 1,142 crew members got sick.
  • Holland America’s Rotterdam was on a Caribbean cruise when 83 of the 2,192 passengers and 12 of the 953 crew members were afflicted.
  • Finally, Holland America’s Zuiderdam saw 87 out of 1,923 passengers and 4 of the 757-person crew members fall ill.

According to the CDC, “Norovirus can be especially challenging to control on cruise ships because of the close living quarters, shared dining areas and rapid turnover of passengers. When the ship docks, norovirus can be brought on board in contaminated food or water; or by passengers who were infected while ashore.” In other words, cruise ships are a breeding ground for germs!

Disney Magic

So, with that in mind, what precautions can you take next time you cruise to avoid norovirus or other cruise-born illnesses? Well, the biggest thing:  wash your hands! It sounds like common sense, but it makes all the difference. Also, stay hydrated (however, you may want to avoid drinking tap water from specific ports of call).

Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, the Disney Treasure, docked in its home port of Port Canaveral this morning for the very first time. Following its initial visit to Florida, the Disney Treasure will sail to New York City for a special christening celebration on the evening of November 19, which will be streamed live on the Disney Parks Blog. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

As the cruise industry looks ready to smash industry records this year, the CDC is reporting an uptick in norovirus outbreaks in December alone. Stay safe, and stay tuned to AllEars for more!

FULL TOUR of Inside and Oceanview Staterooms Aboard the NEW Disney Treasure Cruise Ship

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Have you been on a cruise in recent years? Let us know in the comments below.