Ah, the joys of a cruise—sun, sea, unlimited buffets, and… an unexpected round of norovirus? That’s exactly what happened to passengers aboard Holland America’s Rotterdam, which docked in Florida on Friday after an outbreak of the dreaded stomach bug.
This isn’t just an unfortunate case of bad shrimp; it’s the fourth norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship reported to the CDC this year. That’s right, 2024 is shaping up to be a rough one for vacationers hoping for a worry-free voyage.
So, what exactly happened, and should you be rethinking that upcoming cruise? Let’s dive in.
Norovirus Takes Over the Rotterdam
The Rotterdam, a Holland America cruise ship, had been on a nearly two-week journey through the Caribbean and Central America when norovirus decided to tag along for the ride. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began monitoring the outbreak on February 7. By the time the ship docked in Port Everglades, 169 passengers and crew members had fallen victim to the virus.
The CDC’s report breaks it down:
- 152 out of 2,614 passengers (or 5.8%) reported norovirus symptoms.
- 17 of 969 crew members (or 1.8%) were also affected.
If you’ve never had the misfortune of experiencing norovirus, let’s just say it’s the Michael Jordan of stomach bugs—highly contagious and unstoppable once it gets going. The main symptoms? Nonstop vomiting and diarrhea. Not exactly the relaxing cruise experience people signed up for.
Not the Only Sick Ship on the Seas
Unfortunately, the Rotterdam isn’t alone in the norovirus nightmare. Just days earlier, another cruise—the Radiance of the Seas from Royal Caribbean—returned to Tampa with 168 sick passengers and crew members. They also reported vomiting and diarrhea, though the source of their illness remains a mystery.
With four norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships already in 2024, this raises the question:
Is cruising becoming a floating petri dish?
Why Does Norovirus Love Cruises So Much?
Cruise ships offer the perfect storm (pun intended) for viruses like norovirus to spread. Think about it:
- Thousands of people sharing tight spaces.
- Buffets where everyone touches the same serving spoons.
- Recirculated air and communal restrooms.
Even with strict sanitation measures, it only takes one infected person to set off a chain reaction. And because norovirus is highly contagious, it spreads faster than a juicy cruise ship scandal.
According to the CDC, norovirus is responsible for about 90% of all stomach-related outbreaks on cruise ships.
So, if you’re planning a cruise, should you be worried?
How to Avoid Catching Norovirus on a Cruise
Let’s be real: No one wants to spend their dream vacation worshipping the porcelain throne. While cruise lines do their best to sanitize, the responsibility also falls on passengers. Here’s how to avoid bringing home an unwanted stomach souvenir:
- Wash your hands—obsessively. Hand sanitizer is great, but norovirus laughs in the face of alcohol-based gels. Soap and water are your best defense.
- Skip the buffet if it looks sketchy. If you see fellow passengers coughing into the salad bar, maybe opt for a sit-down meal instead.
- Use your own utensils. Avoid grabbing food with your hands or using shared tongs when possible.
- Sanitize your cabin. Give your room a quick wipe-down with disinfectant wipes when you board. High-touch surfaces like door handles and remote controls can be germ hotspots.
- Avoid sick passengers. If someone looks like they’ve spent more time in the bathroom than at the pool, steer clear.
Is Norovirus Ruining Cruising?
Despite these outbreaks, millions of people take cruises every year without issue. Cruise lines have strict sanitation protocols, and the vast majority of travelers don’t end up sick. However, norovirus outbreaks on ships grab headlines because they affect large numbers of people in confined spaces.
If you’re someone who gets queasy at the thought of an outbreak, you might want to reconsider cruising during peak season. But for most travelers, simple precautions (and a bit of luck) can keep the trip smooth sailing.
Would You Still Take a Cruise?
Have these recent norovirus outbreaks changed your mind about cruising, or are you still ready to set sail? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Leave a Reply