2025: A Year of Alarming Health Crises on Cruise Ships

Vacationers planning to cruise should proceed with caution, as gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly norovirus, are on the rise this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported more outbreaks on cruise ships off U.S. waters in 2025 than in nearly 20 years. Recently, an outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas affected almost 100 passengers and crew members, marking the 19th outbreak of the year—14 of which were caused by norovirus.

The confined conditions and communal dining typical on cruise ships make them prone to such outbreaks. The CDC tracks these incidents through its Vessel Sanitation Program, which has noted an upward trend in norovirus cases across the board.

Following the pandemic, when cruise operations were suspended, the industry saw fewer outbreaks. However, as cruising resumed in mid-2021, the frequency of outbreaks has been creeping back up. Notably, 2025’s numbers have surpassed those of the previous years, already exceeding 2024’s total of 18 and 2023’s 14. This year’s outbreak count is the highest recorded since 2007.

The uptick in gastrointestinal illnesses can be partially attributed to an increased number of cruise-goers. However, the overall rise in norovirus cases is also indicative of a broader public health issue. Between August 2024 and July 2025, the CDC reported approximately 2,675 norovirus outbreaks nationwide, nearly double from 1,478 during the same period the year before. This surge may be influenced by the emergence of a new strain of norovirus, against which the population has less immunity.

Furthermore, challenges in resource allocation have also played a role. Earlier this year, the CDC terminated its full-time cruise ship inspectors as part of budget cuts, resulting in fewer resources available for outbreak tracking and prevention. Although the CDC noted that recent norovirus outbreaks have returned to more typical rates, experts warn that with the new norovirus season approaching, January could see another wave of illnesses.

Given these developments, many might prefer to stay ashore as they consider travel plans for the near future.

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