Annual data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 2024 was the worst year for cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks in over a decade. There were 16 reported outbreaks on ships last year, up from 14 in 2023.
Most outbreaks were attributed to norovirus, though E. coli and Salmonella were also identified on cruise ships. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that leads to symptoms like stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. It easily spreads in areas where people are close.
In December alone there were five reported outbreaks on cruise ships, with over 800 passengers and crew falling ill. Two more outbreaks were shared with the CDC during the first week of January on sailings that departed in December.
One guest even succumbed to norovirus-related complications in October after cruising about P&O Cruises Arcadia.
The number of reported outbreaks was lower during 2020, 2021, and 2022, when the industry shut down and eventually restarted because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“[W]hile 2023 and 2024 both had higher numbers of cruise ship outbreaks than in years prior to the pandemic, we do not yet know if this represents a new trend," a CDC spokesperson told CNN Travel.
Despite the increasing number of cases, I'm frequently traveling on cruise ships in 2025 with heightened awareness and precautions.
While cruises often get a bad rap for norovirus outbreaks, the CDC reports that cruise ships are responsible for only about 1% of all reported norovirus outbreaks. The virus can also spread amongst people in confined spaces like college dorms, hotels, and camps.
I've been on over 25 cruises and never fallen ill with a gastrointestinal illness. While onboard, I follow all recommended health precautions, such as washing my hands. Though the increase in outbreaks is concerning, here's what I'm doing to enjoy cruising this year while staying healthy.
Limiting time in the buffet
Cruise ship buffets are crowded and often unsanitary, with passengers grabbing tongs and picking up food with their bare hands. Even though crew members encourage guests to wash and/or sanitize their hands before entering, the high volume of people coming and going makes it difficult to maintain strict hygiene standards.
If I go to the buffet, I wash my hands before and after grabbing my food. This ensures that my hands are clean from any potential germs picked up when using utensils or touching high-traffic areas like condiment dispensers.
Thankfully, many cruise ships offer additional dining options besides the busy buffet. Plus, I find that they're typically less busy, so I don't have to navigate through crowds during breakfast or lunch.
Taking the stairs
With thousands of guests on a cruise ship, elevators often feel hot and cramped with passengers trying to take up all available space to travel from one deck to another. Stairwells, on the other hand, are quieter than elevator banks.
Sometimes taking the elevator is inevitable, like when I'm going from Deck 4 to Deck 15, but for the most part, I skip the elevator to avoid crowds.
Not only does taking the stairs reduce my time in extra-confined spaces but it's also better from a physical health standpoint. A recent meta-analysis presented at a European Society of Cardiology conference revealed that people who routinely climb stairs have about a 39% lower likelihood of death from heart disease compared to those who don't.
Read more: Elevator or stairs on a cruise ship? Your choice could make you live longer, study finds
Washing/sanitizing hands more frequently
It's not enough to wash your hands after using the restroom or before entering the buffet on a cruise ship.
From handrails to door handles and other commonly touched surfaces, there are plenty of opportunities for germs to spread. I prefer to wash (or at least sanitize) my hands whenever possible to reduce my risk of picking up anything on vacation.
Also, you want to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as that practically invites germs into your body.
Read more: Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship vacation
Taking immune system supplements
Because I travel at least once per month, I like to keep my immune system in tip-top shape even when at home. As such, I take a daily supplement to boost immunity.
Though it isn't a cure-all and won't prevent me from ever getting sick, I sleep a little easier knowing that I'm giving my body extra support when it comes to fighting off germs and viruses.
I love the Airborne Original Immune Support Gummies because they taste so good! It's like eating a little piece of candy.
Stay in my cabin if I feel unwell
Though nobody wants to spend their hard-earned vacation stuck in their cabin, it’s important to recognize that staying in your stateroom when feeling under the weather is the responsible thing to do. It can also help prevent the spread of illness to other guests.
Plus, resting helps your body recover quicker. I'd rather be out of commission for an afternoon than two or three days!
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
