Norovirus outbreaks are surging on cruise ships in 2025: Here’s how to stay safe

Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are at a record high

By Amanda Teague Published May 9, 2025

Cruise ship into the sunset — Alonso Reyes / Unsplash

Norovirus is making waves on cruise ships in 2025, with a sharp rise in outbreaks reported so far this year. As of early May, 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships have met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) threshold for public notification. Alarmingly, 12 of those outbreaks were caused by norovirus, the highly contagious virus known for its rapid spread and harsh symptoms.

One of the most recent incidents occurred on Holland America Line’s Eurodam, where 148 passengers and 22 crew members fell ill between April 12 and May 3. This spike in outbreaks is notable, as previous years saw far fewer incidents: 2024 recorded 18 outbreaks in total, while 2023 saw 14.

Recommended Videos

The nature of cruise ships, with their closed environments where large numbers of people are in close quarters, makes them particularly vulnerable to the rapid spread of norovirus, which thrives in crowded settings where person-to-person transmission is more likely.

Staying safe on board

Norovirus shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a cruise, it just means taking a few extra precautions to stay healthy at sea.

First and foremost, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom. This is one of the most effective ways to avoid spreading or catching viruses. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest to support your immune system, and avoid touching your face unnecessarily. If you witness someone getting sick (vomiting or diarrhea), leave the area immediately and notify cruise staff if they’re not already aware.

Most importantly, don’t hesitate to report your illness. If you begin experiencing symptoms, alert the ship’s medical center right away. Early reporting helps staff detect and respond to outbreaks quickly, limiting how far an illness can spread. According to the CDC, a reportable gastrointestinal illness typically includes:

Three or more loose stools in a 24-hour period (or more than is normal for you), OR
Vomiting along with another symptom such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, muscle aches, or headache

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

Topics

Destinations

Travel

45 million people are traveling for Memorial Day: Here’s how to avoid the traffic

AAA highlights the best times to hit the road during the holiday weekend

Traffic

Get ready for packed roads and long lines, as 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend this year, marking a new record, according to AAA. The travel period runs from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26, and most of those travelers, nearly 39.4 million, are hitting the road. While air travel and other modes of transportation like trains, buses, and cruises are also up this year, driving remains the top choice for Memorial Day travelers.

With gas prices lower than last year’s average ($3.59 per gallon), road trips are more appealing than ever. In fact, 87% of travelers will be driving to their destinations, making traffic jams and congested highways all but guaranteed.

Travel

How one dad traveled to 30 countries with two kids under 4 (and stayed sane)

Expert Tamiz Ahmed breaks down how to travel with young children

Tamiz Ahmed

Traveling with kids can feel a little overwhelming, even for those of us without any! Honestly, there are days I can barely get myself through airport security without a minor meltdown (mine, not a toddler's). So it’s completely fair if the idea of navigating international airports, jet lag, and public transport with little ones in tow feels like a lot. But here’s the thing: being nervous about family travel doesn’t mean you should skip it.

To prove just how doable, and even fun, it can be, I chatted with Tamiz Ahmed, seasoned family traveler and Co-Founder of bootstrapped baby registry Poppylist. Tamiz is a tech founder and dad of two kids under 4, and somehow, in just four years, he and his family have managed to visit 30 destinations around the world, from Japan to Portugal, Australia to Denmark.

Travel

Eat like a local: 2025’s best affordable foodie destinations revealed

The best budget-friendly food cities you haven't heard of (yet)

Alassio Italy

Airbnb’s 2025 summer travel trends report is in, and it’s clear that travelers are hungry, but also smart about where they spend. This year, food-loving explorers are skipping the overpriced hotspots and heading to more affordable, authentic culinary destinations around the globe. While Amsterdam and Positano still have their charm, they’re being traded in for places where you’re less likely to get served a tourist menu and more likely to discover the heart of a local food scene.

Leading the list is Alassio, Italy, a gorgeous coastal town that offers the beauty of Positano without the inflated price tags. Here, fresh-caught seafood, wild herbs, and the region’s famous Riviera Ligure DOP olive oil take center stage.