Cruise ship outbreaks 2025: 6 reported this year; here's what we know
Illness outbreaks take off on cruise ships
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has logged six gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships — three of which were attributed to Norovirus — so far in 2025. The latest outbreak sickened nearly 100 people on board a Royal Caribbean cruise earlier this month that left Florida.
ORLANDO, Fla. - No one wants to be hit with the stomach bug or gastrointestinal (GI) issues while on vacation, especially aboard a cruise ship, but it happens.
Earlier this week, it was reported that nearly 100 people were sick with vomiting or diarrhea aboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas ship, according to the CDC's website.
The CDC keeps track of illness "outbreaks" aboard cruise ships throughout the year – and posts them on its website. As of Feb. 8, there have been six "outbreaks" aboard cruise ships in 2025, according to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program. Not all were attributed to the stomach flu.
Here is what we know.
How is a cruise ship illness "outbreak" defined?
Big picture view:
According to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program website, an "outbreak" aboard a cruise ship is when at least 3% of a cruise ship's passengers or staff report GI issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Cruise ships have to report these incidents to the CDC. The goal, according to the CDC, is to track illnesses aboard cruise ships, to hopefully quickly find a cause and limit its spread, and to provide support to cruise ships.
According to the CDC, some illnesses can spread quickly when a lot of people are together in the same living quarters, such as a cruise ship, which can hold hundreds and thousands of people. The same concern is for healthcare facilities, restaurants, and schools and daycare centers, etc.
CDC: 2025 cruise ship illness "outbreaks"
What we know:
Royal Caribbean International
- Cruise ship: Radiance of the Seas
- Sailing dates: Feb. 1 through Feb. 8
- Cause of sickness: Unknown
Princess Cruises
- Cruise ship: Coral Princess
- Sailing dates: Jan 20 through Feb. 5
- Cause of sickness: Norovirus
Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd.
- Cruise ship: Viking Mars
- Sailing dates: Jan. 10 through Jan. 24
- Cause of sickness: Norovirus
Holland America Line
- Cruise ship: Volendam
- Sailing dates: Jan. 1 through Jan. 25
- Cause of sickness: Norovirus
Silversea Cruises
- Cruise ship: Silver Ray
- Sailing dates: Jan. 4 through Jan. 20
- Cause of sickness: E. coli
Sea Cloud Cruises
- Cruise ship: Sea Cloud Spirit
- Sailing dates: Jan. 4 through Jan. 10
- Cause of sickness: Ciguatera (presumed)
Nearly 100 people sickened on Royal Caribbean cruise
Local perspective:
Nearly 100 people aboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas cruise ship were forced to isolate themselves after becoming sick with GI issues, such as vomiting and/or diarrhea.
The ship departed the Port of Tampa Bay on Saturday, Feb. 1 for a 7-day cruise, ending on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program on Tuesday.
The CDC said 89 of the 2,164 passengers aboard the cruise reported issues – or 4.1% of total passengers. Two crew members of the 910 aboard the ship reported issues.
What is the cause? The CDC has not yet listed a likely cause for the most recent outbreak, though Norovirus – or the stomach flu – is common amongst cruise ships, according to the CDC, due to a lot of people together in close living arrangements.
The CDC plans to collect and test stool samples from passengers to determine the cause of the illness. The ship also conducted increased cleaning and disinfection of the ship.
What is Norovirus? How common is it really on cruise ships?
Norovirus – commonly known as the stomach bug – is a highly contagious virus that can lead to GI issues. It's common amongst highly populated venues, such as cruise ships, schools, and healthcare facilities.
According to the CDC, there are 2500 Norovirus "outbreaks" in the U.S. each year – not specific to cruise ships – that lead to 19-21 million illnesses.
It is often spread through direct contact or contaminated food, the CDC said.
Should we be concerned about norovirus or bird flu?
Dr. Edwin Michael, an epidemiologist and professor at USF, joined FOX 35's Garrett Wymer on Florida Live to discuss the recent outbreaks of norovirus and bird flu, and takes a look at the level of concern we should have in regards to those becoming the next pandemic.
Norovirus symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach Pain
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fever
Norovirus is common on cruise ships. It accounts for about 90% of reported GI issues on ships, according to the CDC, but makes up less than 1% of the overall cases each year.
"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," the CDC said.
"Repeated outbreaks on consecutive cruises may also result from infected crew or environmental contamination. This is because norovirus can persist on surfaces for days or weeks and is resistant to many common disinfectants."
By the numbers: Cruise ship "outbreaks"
Here is the number of "outbreaks" reported on cruises over the last few years:
- 2025: 6 outbreaks reported (As of Feb. 7, 2025)
- 2024: 18 outbreaks reported (15 of Norovirus)
- 2023: 14 outbreaks reported (13 of Norovirus)
- 2019-2022: 19 total ( 13 of Norovirus)
What is the Vessel Sanitation Program?
The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program tracks illness outbreaks on cruise ships each year. The program also helps the cruise industry prevent and control public health issues, as well as provides information for passengers.
A voyage is included on the list if it reports more than 3% of its passengers or crew having gastrointestinal symptoms.
"Traveling on cruise ships exposes people to new environments and high volumes of people, including other travelers," CDC officials state. "This exposure can create the risk for illness from contaminated food, water or, more commonly, through person-to-person contact."
Norovirus cases on the rise across America
The CDC says there were more than 90 outbreaks of the virus reported during the first week of December.
How to stay healthy on a cruise
What they're saying:
The CDC suggests using the following tips to help ensure a healthy cruise experience:
Report your illness if you're sick
Before your voyage:
- Ask your cruise line if there are alternative cruising options.
- Consult a doctor to find out whether it is safe for you to sail.
During your voyage, call the ship's medical facility as soon as possible and follow the medical staff's recommendations.
Wash your hands often
Why: Avoid exposing yourself and others to anything that may cause illnesses and spread germs.
When: Wash your hands often, but especially after using the toilet and before eating or smoking.
Take care of yourself
Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water.
- Resting helps rebuild your immune system.
- Drinking water helps prevent dehydration.
If you see someone get sick (vomiting or diarrhea)...
Leave the area.
Report it to cruise staff if they are not already aware.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as previous reporting.