Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas recently experienced its second gastrointestinal outbreak of 2024, affecting 180 passengers and 3 crew members during an Alaskan cruise.
Gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus are nothing new on cruise ships, but with multiple outbreaks in a single year, travelers may be wondering: how safe is cruising, and what can you do to protect yourself? Here’s what you need to know about the risks and how to stay healthy on your next voyage.
How Common Are Outbreaks?
Unfortunately, gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships are more common than you might think. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an average of 8 to 12 outbreaks per year on cruise ships sailing in U.S. waters. Norovirus is the most frequent culprit, but other viruses can cause similar symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
Why Are Cruise Ships Prone to Outbreaks?
Cruise ships are essentially floating cities, with thousands of people in close quarters. The confined spaces and shared facilities—from dining rooms to public restrooms—create the perfect environment for viruses to spread quickly. Buffet-style dining, where many passengers touch the same utensils and surfaces, can exacerbate the problem.
What to Watch Out For
The symptoms of norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, which typically appear within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. These symptoms can last from one to three days but can be longer or more severe for children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems.
How Bad Can It Get?
In most cases, gastrointestinal illnesses are unpleasant but not life-threatening. However, in severe cases, passengers may require hospitalization for dehydration, which is a serious risk, particularly for older travelers. On rare occasions, an outbreak can force the ship to return to port early, cutting vacations short for everyone on board.
What Are the Cruise Lines Doing About It?
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have strict sanitation protocols designed to minimize the spread of illnesses. This includes deep cleaning between voyages, frequent sanitation of high-touch areas, and providing passengers with hand sanitizers throughout the ship. However, despite these efforts, viruses can still spread quickly in the close quarters of a cruise ship.
The Role of the CDC
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) monitors gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships. Cruise lines are required to report any outbreak affecting more than 2% of passengers to the CDC, which then conducts inspections and provides guidance on managing and preventing further spread.
How to Protect Yourself on a Cruise
So, what can you do to avoid getting sick? Here are a few tips to help protect yourself during your cruise:
- Wash your hands often: Handwashing is your best defense against viruses. Make sure to wash before meals and after using public restrooms.
- Use hand sanitizer: Cruise ships often provide hand sanitizer at dining areas and other public spaces—use it liberally.
- Avoid buffets: Opt for à la carte dining when possible. Buffets can be a hotspot for germs due to shared utensils and surfaces.
- Stay hydrated: If you do get sick, staying hydrated is crucial to avoid complications like dehydration.
- Don’t ignore symptoms: If you start feeling unwell, report your symptoms to the ship’s medical staff immediately.
What Happens If You Get Sick?
If you develop symptoms of gastrointestinal illness while on a cruise, the ship’s medical team will likely advise you to self-isolate in your cabin to prevent spreading the virus to others. Medical care is available on board, and in more severe cases, the ship may dock early to get passengers the care they need. While this can disrupt your vacation, following the guidelines is essential to prevent further spread.
Can Outbreaks Affect the Entire Cruise?
Absolutely. During large outbreaks, cruise lines may implement additional restrictions, such as closing self-serve dining stations, postponing events, or increasing cleaning efforts across the ship. In the most extreme cases, the outbreak could result in an early return to port, meaning passengers lose precious vacation time.
What About Refunds or Compensation?
If your cruise is significantly affected by an outbreak, some cruise lines offer compensation in the form of partial refunds, onboard credits, or discounted future cruises. It’s worth checking the cruise line’s policy before you book so you’re aware of what’s covered if an outbreak impacts your trip.
Is It Still Safe to Cruise?
Despite the risks of gastrointestinal outbreaks, millions of passengers cruise every year without falling ill. While outbreaks can happen, they are relatively rare compared to the number of passengers who sail each year. Royal Caribbean, for example, sails thousands of voyages annually, and only a small percentage are impacted by outbreaks. However, it’s important to understand the risks and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself?.
Final Tips for a Safe Cruise
While cruising can be an amazing way to see the world, there are always risks when it comes to health, especially in close-quarters environments like cruise ships. Follow these final tips for staying safe:
- Stay informed: Check the cruise line’s health protocols before you book and monitor any outbreaks reported by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
- Be proactive: If you start feeling unwell, report it immediately to minimize the impact on other passengers.
- Be cautious with food: Stick to à la carte dining when possible, and avoid foods that have been sitting out for long periods.
With a bit of preparation and precaution, you can still enjoy your cruise while minimizing the risk of illness. Safe travels!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Melissa Herzog.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
