Norwegian Cruise Line has issued a notice to current and past passengers aboard Norwegian Epic after two recent guests were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease following their travels on the 4,100-passenger ship.
According to a passenger email sent to the Cruise Radio tip line, the alert was sent on November 4 to guests currently sailing on the ship’s 12-night Mediterranean voyage from Rome to Lisbon, as well as to passengers who recently sailed on the vessel.
The cruise line said that it is currently unknown whether the diagnosed guests were exposed to the bacteria through the ship’s water system or another source.
Investigation Underway with CDC Support
Norwegian Cruise Line is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the investigation.
Testing of water-related fixtures including hot tubs, showers, and faucets is ongoing as part of the standard procedures.
“On the rare occasion that any past guests receive such a diagnosis, we work with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support their investigation efforts as part of their standard operating procedures,” the cruise line stated in its notice to guests.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which spreads through water droplets from fixtures such as hot tubs, showers, fountains, and misters. The disease is not transmitted person-to-person.
Health Guidance for Passengers
The CDC indicates symptoms typically emerge two to 14 days after exposure. Those at higher risk include individuals age 50 and older, current or former smokers, those with chronic lung disease, and people with weakened immune systems.
Common symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Most people recover fully with proper treatment, often including specific antibiotics in a hospital setting.
Norwegian Epic passengers are advised to notify the ship’s medical staff if symptoms appear during their cruise.
Those who have disembarked and develop symptoms within 14 days should seek medical attention immediately and share the notification letter with their doctor to ensure proper testing for Legionella and appropriate antibiotic treatment if needed.
Future passengers at increased risk for Legionnaires’ disease may consider rescheduling their cruise. Those using respiratory therapy devices with humidifiers should use distilled water rather than tap water.
Ongoing Operations
Norwegian Epic’s next voyage departs November 13 for a 10-night transatlantic crossing to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The ship will operate Caribbean cruises from San Juan through mid-April 2026 before returning to the Western Mediterranean for spring and summer sailings.
In January 2025, Royal Caribbean sent the same notice to guests who were sailing on Symphony of the Seas in late 2024.
