What Virus Is Common On Cruise Ships?

Measles, chicken pox, and other vaccine-preventable diseases can circulate on cruise ships, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus, a common and contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, is on the rise in the United States, particularly on cruise ships. Close living quarters may increase group contact, and people joining the ship may bring the virus to others. There have been 13 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships in 2023, with the most recent outbreak occurring on a Viking Cruises ship.

The CDC reports that norovirus is often labeled as a stomach bug and is the most common cause of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The most frequently reported outbreaks involve gastrointestinal infections (e.g., norovirus) and respiratory infections (e.g., COVID-19). Norovirus is also known as the cruise ship virus, and organisms such as salmonella, shigella, and E. coli have caused recent outbreaks of diarrhea on ships.

In summary, norovirus is a common and contagious virus that can affect people on cruise ships and land. It is often associated with cruise travel due to health officials’ need to track illnesses on ships. More than 90% of cruise ship gastro outbreaks are caused by norovirus, which is spread from person to person and through contaminated objects.