Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruises cruise ships reported norovirus outbreaks in the last two weeks, affecting over 200 crew members and passengers.
226 People From Both Vessels Affected
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 183 out of 2,853 guests (7.2%) and 14 out of 1,232 crew members (1.1%) on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 reported feeling sick.
The Queen Mary 2 was on a March 8 to April 6 Caribbean itinerary when the outbreak occurred.
Additionally, seven of Seabourn Encore’s 461 passengers (1.5%) and 22 405 employees (5.4%) fell ill.
Encore left Japan on March 16 and is heading toward Los Angeles, targeting an arrival on April 9.
Guests onboard the two vessels noticed vomiting and diarrhea, with Seabourn guests also experiencing abdominal cramps.
The health agency confirmed that both outbreaks were caused by norovirus
Both vessels were well above the CDC’s minimum 3% threshold for reporting gastrointestinal illnesses. Collectively, 226 people were affected.
Containment Measures Underway
Seaborn and Cunard amplified cleaning and disinfection measures to contain the virus and minimize the number of patients. These quarantined people were ill, and worked closely with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
The cruise vessels also collected stool specimens for testing.
A representative from Seaborn assured USA Today that “cases were mild and quickly resolved.”
The CDC registered 12 outbreaks in 2025, including the outbreaks on Queen Mary 2 and Seaborn Encore, 10 of which were caused by norovirus.
These incidents follow outbreaks on Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess and Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, which took place in March.
Risk of Infection Remains Low on Cruise Ships
Though it is often touted as a “cruise ship virus,” the illness is far more likely to occur on land than at sea.
According to the Cruise Line Industry Association, one out of 15 people in the US is infected by the illness annually.
Meanwhile, cruise ship passengers have a one in 5,500 chance of contracting it during sailings.
Characterized by the swelling of the stomach and/or intestines, cruise guests can minimize their risk by washing their hands regularly, getting plenty of rest, and keeping themselves hydrated.
