Gastrointestinal germs like norovirus are causing more cruise ship outbreaks than we’ve seen in a long time.
Vacation lovers, beware: Puke-causing germs like norovirus are having one hell of a time aboard cruise ships right about now. There have already been more reported cruise ship outbreaks off U.S. waters this year than in nearly two decades.
Just this week, the Centers for Disease Control reported an outbreak of norovirus aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas—one that sickened nearly 100 passengers and crew. It’s the 14th outbreak of norovirus and 19th overall outbreak reported in 2025, well above recent historical trends. Norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. generally have climbed as of late.A modern high
Though norovirus and other foodborne germs can easily sicken someone anywhere, the confined spaces and shared food on cruise ships can make them a vector for widespread illness. Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness aboard cruise ships in or around U.S. waters are tracked by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
