Norovirus Outbreak on Luxury Cruise Ships Results in Illness for Over 200 Passengers

A recent norovirus outbreak on the Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 has resulted in 183 passengers and 14 crew members falling ill from symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. This constitutes about 7% of the ship's total 2,538 passengers. The cruise line has taken measures to contain the outbreak, including deep cleaning protocols and activating enhanced health and safety protocols. The Queen Mary 2 embarked from Southampton on March 8 and made stops in New York and the Caribbean. Norovirus, often referred to as the 'cruise ship virus,' is extremely contagious and is the leading cause of gastrointestinal sickness in the United States. It typically spreads through contaminated food, water, or surfaces, as well as direct person-to-person contact. While cruise ships are affected by such outbreaks due to their nature of confining large groups in close quarters, they only account for 1% of norovirus cases in the U.S., according to the CDC. In response to the outbreak, Cunard has collaborated with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program to ensure that proper cleaning and disinfection protocols are being followed. Simultaneously, a similar outbreak was reported on the Seabourn Encore, affecting 7 passengers and 22 crew members. Both incidents highlight the vulnerabilities of cruise ships to infectious disease outbreaks, a concern exacerbated by the high turnover of passengers and crew as well as the traversing of international waters and ports. Commentary: This incident underscores the significance of robust health and safety protocols in the cruise industry to manage contagious diseases effectively. The prompt and comprehensive cleaning undertaken by the cruise lines signals professional vigilance. However, it’s an ongoing challenge for the industry to reassure customers regarding health safety aboard, especially in the post-COVID travel landscape. Openness and transparency from the cruise lines coupled with guidance from health authorities are vital in minimizing the impact of such outbreaks.