Which Cruise Ships Have Had Norovirus Outbreaks?

By Robert Palmer

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastroenteritis, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Cruise ships are notorious for being hotbeds of norovirus outbreaks due to the close quarters and shared facilities on board. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the cruise ships that have experienced norovirus outbreaks.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that spreads through contaminated food or water or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Norovirus is particularly common in closed environments such as cruise ships.

Which Cruise Ships Have Had Norovirus Outbreaks?

  • Carnival Triumph (2013): In 2013, more than 600 passengers and crew members aboard Carnival Triumph fell ill with norovirus. The ship was forced to cut its trip short and return to port in Galveston.
  • Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas (2014): In 2014, more than 600 passengers and crew members aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas were affected by norovirus during a ten-day cruise in the Caribbean.
  • Crown Princess (2016): In April 2016, over 170 passengers aboard Crown Princess fell ill with norovirus during a seven-day voyage from Los Angeles to Vancouver.
  • Oasis of the Seas (2019): In January 2019, more than 500 passengers aboard Oasis of the Seas were affected by norovirus during a seven-day Caribbean cruise.

How Do Cruise Ships Prevent Norovirus Outbreaks?

Cruise ships take numerous measures to prevent norovirus outbreaks, including:

  • Thorough cleaning: Cruise ships are thoroughly cleaned between voyages, and high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and handrails are regularly disinfected.
  • Hand hygiene: Passengers are encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, which is provided throughout the ship.
  • Food safety: Cruise ships follow strict food safety protocols to prevent contamination of food.
  • Isolation measures: If an outbreak does occur, cruise ships may isolate affected passengers and crew members to prevent further spread of the virus.

The Bottom Line

Norovirus outbreaks can be a major concern for cruise ship passengers and crew members. While cruise lines take numerous measures to prevent outbreaks from occurring, it is important for passengers to practice good hand hygiene and report any symptoms of illness to ship staff immediately. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your cruise vacation without worrying about getting sick.