The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a norovirus outbreak aboard Oceania Insignia, marking the 20th reported gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship in 2025.
According to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), the outbreak occurred during Insignia’s current voyage, which began October 16 and is scheduled to end October 27. The illness was reported to the CDC on October 20.
A total of 74 passengers out of 637 (11.6%) and 1 crew member out of 391 (0.3%) have reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. The illness has been attributed to norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily in close-contact environments such as cruise ships.
A guest onboard posted in a Facebook group that, “many from our party our confined to staterooms.”
Outbreak Response Measures
Oceania Cruises implemented several response measures onboard in line with CDC protocols, including:
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures.
- Isolation of symptomatic passengers and crew.
- Collection of stool samples for testing.
- Ongoing consultation with CDC officials to monitor and review sanitation practices.
The CDC is currently monitoring the situation remotely and has not indicated any planned shipboard inspections.
20 Outbreaks in 2025 So Far
This latest incident is the 20th gastrointestinal illness outbreak of the year aboard a cruise ship that meets the CDC’s threshold for public notification. At least 14 of these have been confirmed as norovirus outbreaks.
Other cruise lines affected in 2025 include Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Viking.
Notably, this is the first publicly reported outbreak for Oceania Cruises this year. It follows recent outbreaks on Serenade of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas, both operated by Royal Caribbean International.
The CDC has previously acknowledged the increase in cruise-related outbreaks, though officials have not confirmed whether the rise signals a lasting trend.
Oceania Insignia is currently on an 11 night one-way repositioning cruise from Montreal to Boston.
