Increase in Norovirus Cases in 2025 - Guidelines for Self-Protection During Cruising

Article

Title: Cruise on a Germ-free Voyage: Avoiding Norovirus this Winter

Subheading: Want to sail smoothly this winter? Here's how to keep norovirus off your travel itinerary.

This winter, get ready to set sail! But hold on, matey. You don't want a storm of germs to crash your voyage. Norovirus, indeed, is causing quite the turbulence among travelers, and especially among cruisers. Though accounting for fewer than 1% of U.S. annual norovirus cases, the close-knit, communal spaces on cruises make them a prime breeding ground for the virus.

The CDC reports that, between August 2024 and January 2025, norovirus cases nationwide almost doubled compared to the same period in the previous year, both on land and cruises docking at U.S. ports. In the first six weeks of 2025 alone, cruise ship-related norovirus cases tripled compared to the same time frame in 2024.

Don't panic! We've got you covered. Keep these tips in mind to reduce your chances of contracting norovirus when you cruise:

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Wash your hands, Captain!

Washing your hands frequently is the single most effective step to prevent many illnesses, including norovirus. And before you ask, yes, this applies even after playing pirate for a few too many rum shots. Use hot water and soap, scrub for 20 seconds or more (just about the time it takes you to hum 'Yo Ho' twice), and make sure to clean between your fingers and under your nails before thoroughly rinsing and drying.

All cruise ship bathrooms have sinks, and dining areas typically share restrooms nearby. Bubbles at sea not doing it for you? Some cruise lines have also installed sinks near buffet entrances for added convenience post-pandemic.

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Squeaky clean hands? Rub some sanitizer on it.

Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for thorough handwashing, but it's helpful in a pinch when water and soap aren't readily available on deck. Ships have dispensers in various, high-traffic areas. Carry a small bottle too and make it a habit to use it between handwashing sessions – keeps you on the "cleaner" side of things.

Use the skeleton key

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Opening doors with a tissue, paper towel, or the upper part of your sleeve is a clever way to avoid contaminated surfaces. This tactic, when combined with frequent hand washing and sanitizing, ensures even safer seas for your voyage.

Mind your airways

The CDC states that norovirus spreads when particles from an ill person land on a surface and are accidentally ingested by someone else. Though coughing and sneezing are symptoms of other illnesses, not necessarily norovirus, it's crucial to cover your mouth and nose properly to prevent spreading any germs.

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To prevent stifling coughs or sneezes only to spread particles onto surfaces with your hands, cover your mouth and nose by leaning into your shoulder or by shielding them with the crook of your arm, not your hand.

Avoid the buffet

Ship crew work diligently to keep food areas clean; however, buffets are among the easiest places for germs to spread due to their self-service nature. If you want to minimize your norovirus risk, opt for table-service meals at onboard restaurants or those where waiters hand you your food.

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If you do decide to fuel up at the buffet, it's a good idea to wash your hands both before filling your plate (to avoid contaminating communal serving utensils) and after getting your food but before chowing down (to clean your hands after touching said utensils).

And, even Jack Sparrow wouldn't dream of grabbing food with his bare hands – don't even think about it.

Sharing drinks, utensils, food, and other items that could be infected with bodily fluids is an invitation for norovirus – or other germs – to share the ride as well. Even with your travel party, it's important to play it safe.

Responsible cruising

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If you're feeling unwell, think of your fellow passengers and stay home. Your travel insurance (or qualifying credit card) may reimburse you for your missed sailing if you fall ill before embarkation, including with norovirus. Fill out health forms truthfully on embarkation day – honesty is the key to a smooth sailing ahead.

If you become ill during your voyage, stay in your cabin and alert the medical center. They'll make sure you're well taken care of.

How cruise lines battle norovirus

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Pre-cruise health details

Before boarding, you'll fill out a health questionnaire, either via mobile app or at the terminal. Expect to answer questions about common gastrointestinal illness symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, to help keep norovirus at bay – and others from catching what you have.

Cleaning and sanitizing

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Ship crews work tirelessly to keep public areas clean and sanitized. You'll likely see them at work, cleaning bathrooms, wiping down tables, and scrubbing elevator buttons – all essential tasks to stop norovirus spread.

Food training and handling

One way norovirus is spread is through contaminated food. Cruise lines are strict about their food storage and handling procedures. They also spend considerable time training crew in proper hygiene, including thorough and frequent handwashing, especially after using the restroom.

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As part of the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program, training is offered to help supervisors teach their staff about halting the spread of foodborne illnesses. By following program guidelines, the CDC ensures compliance through unannounced inspections.

Water filtration and purification

Another means through which noroviruses are transmitted is contaminated water. Every cruise ship is equipped with extensive water filtration and purification systems to eliminate unwanted contaminants and pathogens, like norovirus. This ensures that water from beverage dispensers, including the buffet, and bathroom taps is safe to drink.

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Isolation and quarantine

If passengers show symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, ship staff will isolate them in their cabins for several days – potentially for the duration of the voyage, depending on its length – and, in some cases, quarantine those in their travel party. Crew members will deliver meals to them at regular intervals and sometimes station someone outside their door to ensure they don't leave and potentially infect others.

Missing your vacation if you're sick is disappointing, but being stuck in the comfort of your home is far less frustrating than being in a cabin if isolation is required. Plus, it gives others a chance to enjoy their time on board with less risk of catching what you have.

Cancellations

If enough people fall ill with gastrointestinal illness or if a ship has repeated outbreaks across multiple voyages, the cruise line may opt to cancel one or two subsequent cruises to thoroughly clean the ship. This process, employing heavy-duty cleaning, disinfecting, and scrubbing, can't be performed as effectively while passengers are aboard.

Read more to stay healthy and safe:

How common is norovirus on cruise ships? Here's what you need to know
How to avoid getting sick on a cruise
What happens if you get sick on a cruise?
Do cruise ships have doctors, nurses, medical centers, or hospitals?
How to eat healthy on a cruise
Are cruise ships safe? Here's what you need to know about cruise ship security and safety

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Jack Sparrow wouldn't dare grab food with his bare hands – don't even think about it.
Sharing drinks, utensils, food, and other items that could be infected with bodily fluids is an invitation for norovirus – or other germs – to share the ride as well.
Opening doors with a tissue, paper towel, or the upper part of your sleeve is a clever way to avoid contaminated surfaces.
Washing your hands frequently is the single most effective step to prevent many illnesses, including norovirus.
You'll fill out a health questionnaire, either via mobile app or at the terminal, to help keep norovirus at bay on board a cruise ship.
Airlines and cruise lines are strict about their food storage and handling procedures to prevent foodborne illnesses like norovirus.
The CDC states that norovirus spreads when particles from an ill person land on a surface and are accidentally ingested by someone else.
Keep these tips in mind to reduce your chances of contracting norovirus when you cruise: wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, open doors without touching them, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
The self-service nature of cruise ship buffets makes them among the easiest places for germs to spread, so consider opting for table-service meals at onboard restaurants to minimize your norovirus risk.

Increase in Norovirus Cases in 2025 - Guidelines for Self-Protection During Cruising