2025 has seen a double-digit number of norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
©Royal Caribbean
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, thanks to acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.
2025’s outbreaks began in January, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that 107 passengers and 12 crew members onboard Holland America’s MS Rotterdam contracted norovirus.
©Holland America
The ship embarked on a 12-day voyage from Port Everglades on February 2nd. In total, there are 2,614 passengers and 969 crew members on the ship. At the time, Holland America has told the CDC that it was increasing cleaning and disinfecting while isolating the infected passengers and crew to help further the spread.
©Holland America
According to the CDC, 2025 has seen an additional 12 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships following the intial Holland America outbreak, including the following voyages:
- Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd.’s Viking Mars: January 10th, 2025 – January 24th, 2025
- Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess: January 20th, 2025 – February 5th, 2025
- Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas: February 1st, 2025 – February 8th, 2025
- Holland America Line’s Rotterdam: February 2nd, 2025 – February 14th, 2025
- Holland America Line’s Eurodam : February 19th, 2025 – March 1st, 2025
- Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess: February 21st, 2025 – March 9th, 2025
- Holland America Line’s Rotterdam: March 7th, 2025 – March 16th, 2025
- Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2: March 8th, 2025 – April 6th, 2025
- Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Encore: March 16th, 2025 – April 9th, 2025
- Viking Expedition Operations’ Viking Polaris: April 11th, 2025 – April 23rd, 2025
- Holland America Line’s Eurodam : April 12th, 2025 – May 3rd, 2025
- Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas: July 7th, 2025 – July 11th, 2025
Royal Caribbean — Enchantment of the Seas (Left) and Mariner of the Seass (Right)
“Norovirus can be especially challenging to control on cruise ships because of the close living quarters, shared dining areas and rapid turnover of passengers,” the CDC website states. “When the ship docks, norovirus can be brought on board in contaminated food or water; or by passengers who were infected while ashore.”
©Holland America
With norovirus being so contagious, you might want to know what to do to protect yourself on a cruise. One easy preventative measure is to wash your hands often, including after using the toilet and changing diapers, before eating or handling food, and before giving yourself or someone else any medication. One thing you’ll need to note is that hand sanitizer does not do a great job of preventing norovirus, so you’ll want to use soap and water when you can.
©Holland America
We’ll continue to keep an eye on these norovirus outbreaks and let you know of any other potential cases that could impact your next vacation. In the meantime, stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel news and more!
Norovirus Cases on the Rise on Cruise Ships. Here’s How To Protect Yourself
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Have you ever gotten sick on a cruise? Tell us in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Disney doesn’t want you to know it, but I personally witnessed an outbreak of norovirus on the Disney Fantasy within the last month.