Royal Caribbean Joins Oceania, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard, AIDA as These Cruises Largely Affected by Norovirus Outbreaks in Ships, New Update is Here
Published on
December 8, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Royal Caribbean joins Oceania, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard, and AIDA, has been heavily impacted by Norovirus outbreaks aboard its ships in 2025. These cruise lines have reported several cases of passengers and crew falling ill during voyages, causing concern for potential travelers. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, continues to affect Royal Caribbean and other major operators, leading to disruptions in holiday plans for thousands of guests.
As more outbreaks are being reported, these cruise lines have come under scrutiny for the safety of their passengers. This new update highlights the ongoing risks and challenges faced by the cruise industry as it grapples with Norovirus. If you’re planning to set sail with these cruise lines, read on to find out what you need to know about these outbreaks and how they might affect your next cruise vacation.
Cruise LineShip NameVoyage DatesPassengers AffectedCrew Affected% Passengers AffectedReport SourceRoyal CaribbeanSerenade of the Seas19 Sep 2025 – 2 Oct 2025128 of 1,874 passengers7 of 883 crew6.8%CDCOceania CruisesOceania Insignia16 Oct 2025 – 27 Oct 202588 of 637 passengers8 of 391 crew13.8%CDCHolland America LineEurodam12 Apr 2025 – 3 May 2025Norovirus outbreak (exact % not specified)–Not SpecifiedCDCHolland America LineRotterdam3 Mar 2025 – 16 Mar 2025Norovirus outbreak (exact % not specified)–Not SpecifiedCDCPrincess CruisesCoral Princess20 Jan 2025 – 5 Feb 202569 of 1,906 passengers13 of 895 crew3.6%CDCCunard LineQueen Mary 28 Mar 2025 – 6 Apr 2025183 of 2,538 passengers17 of 1,100 crew7.2%Viking Ocean CruisesViking Mars10 Jan 2025 – 24 Jan 2025Norovirus outbreak (exact % not specified)–Not SpecifiedCDCRoyal CaribbeanRadiance of the Seas1 Feb 2025 – 8 Feb 2025Norovirus outbreak (exact % not specified)–Not SpecifiedCDCSeabourn Cruise LineSeabourn Encore16 Mar 2025 – 9 Apr 2025Norovirus outbreak (exact % not specified)–Not SpecifiedCDCAIDA CruisesAIDAdiva10 Nov 2025 – 30 Nov 202595 of 2,007 passengers6 of 640 crew4.8%CDC
Cruise Lines Hit by Norovirus Outbreaks in 2025: What You Need to Know
Cruise lines around the world have been hit with a shocking surge in Norovirus outbreaks in 2025, with Royal Caribbean, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America among the major operators affected. This deadly virus is not only ruining vacations but is also leading to alarming health concerns for passengers and crew. These outbreaks have caused thousands of passengers to fall ill, with some cruise ships reporting over 10% of passengers affected. As we move deeper into 2025, Norovirus outbreaks are increasingly common on ships, raising serious questions about the safety of cruising in the future. Keep reading to find out exactly what’s happening on these ships, and what you can do to protect yourself if you plan on setting sail.
Why 2025 Has Seen an Alarming Rise in Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships
The year 2025 has seen Norovirus outbreaks spread like wildfire across the cruise industry. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Oceania, and Princess Cruises have reported gastrointestinal outbreaks that are ravaging their passengers and crew members alike. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, has been the primary culprit behind these disruptions, causing passengers to experience vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe discomfort during their vacations. The highly confined and shared environment of cruise ships creates the perfect breeding ground for this virus to spread, as seen in multiple outbreaks reported across several vessels in early 2025.
The Worst Affected Ships in 2025: Passenger Numbers and Impact
Several cruise ships have faced serious disruptions due to Norovirus outbreaks in 2025. Among the worst hit was Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, where over 6% of passengers and nearly 1% of crew fell ill during its September–October voyage. In total, 128 passengers and 7 crew members reported symptoms. This outbreak, along with similar ones on Oceania Cruises and Holland America Line, shows the extent to which Norovirus is spreading across the cruise industry. Another notable incident was Oceania Insignia, where 88 passengers (13.8%) and 8 crew members were affected during the October voyage. Such outbreaks not only tarnish the reputation of these cruise lines but also leave passengers facing ruined vacations, disrupted itineraries, and serious health concerns.
How Norovirus Spreads: The Risk You Take When Booking a Cruise
Cruise ships are known for their dense crowds and shared communal areas, making them vulnerable hotspots for Norovirus. The virus spreads quickly through contaminated surfaces, food, and water, and it can affect anyone within close proximity. Passengers aboard ships like the Serenade of the Seas, Oceania Insignia, and Holland America’s Eurodam reported falling ill after brief interactions with infected surfaces or fellow passengers. In fact, once a single passenger contracts Norovirus, it only takes a matter of hours for it to spread to others, turning a dream vacation into a nightmare for hundreds of people on board. Cruise ships, despite strict hygiene regulations, are still unable to prevent the spread of such diseases due to the shared nature of facilities like bathrooms, buffets, and entertainment venues.
Government and Health Authorities Step In to Control Norovirus Outbreaks
When a Norovirus outbreak is detected, health authorities and the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) immediately step in to manage the situation. According to reports, once an outbreak occurs, cruise ships are required to perform enhanced sanitation measures, including thorough disinfection of cabins, dining areas, and public spaces. For instance, the Serenade of the Seas underwent deep cleaning and crew isolation measures to prevent further contamination. The CDC also monitors the outbreak, ensuring that passengers and crew are quarantined as needed and providing assistance in identifying the virus’s exact strain. These efforts are crucial for limiting the spread and ensuring that future passengers remain safe. However, despite these measures, the virus continues to spread across ships, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current protocols in preventing widespread illness.
What Does This Mean for Future Cruise Bookings?
As more cruise ships fall victim to Norovirus outbreaks in 2025, potential cruisers are left with tough decisions about whether to book a cruise in the first place. Is it worth the risk of falling ill during your trip? Despite the vacation nightmare that Norovirus outbreaks create, many tourists continue to book cruises as they seek the allure of luxury travel, exotic destinations, and relaxation at sea. However, the current outbreaks in 2025 are making more people question the safety of such vacations. Cruise lines will need to dramatically improve their health and safety protocols if they hope to retain public trust and protect their passengers from the highly contagious Norovirus.
For those who still plan to book a cruise, it’s vital to consider the health risks involved. Even with enhanced cleaning procedures and isolation measures, Norovirus outbreaks are a clear reminder that traveling on a cruise ship is not without its risks. For some, the fear of contracting the virus may outweigh the glamour and excitement of a sea adventure.
How to Protect Yourself from Norovirus on Your Cruise
If you’re planning to sail in 2025, it’s essential to take extra precautions to protect yourself from Norovirus and other cruise ship illnesses. Health experts recommend washing your hands frequently with soap and water, using hand sanitiser, and avoiding buffets or shared food areas as much as possible. If you’re feeling unwell, stay in your cabin and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus. Moreover, disinfect your personal space regularly and avoid touching your face, as this is a common way for the virus to enter your body.
Cruise lines are also advising passengers to stay informed and follow any new guidelines issued in response to outbreaks. These include vaccinations, wearing masks, and following all safety protocols to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming ill and ensure that your vacation remains a memorable one for all the right reasons.
What Cruise Lines Are Doing to Improve Norovirus Prevention in 2025
The cruise industry is under increasing pressure to up its game when it comes to Norovirus prevention. In response to the mounting number of outbreaks, cruise lines are working with health authorities to develop improved sanitation procedures and early detection systems for Norovirus. For instance, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Oceania Cruises are increasing medical surveillance and staff training to detect potential outbreaks before they spread. They are also working with third-party health agencies to improve their response protocols, including faster isolation of affected passengers and crew, and stricter sanitation of affected areas.
Despite these efforts, however, Norovirus continues to pose a threat, leading many to believe that it may take more drastic changes in cruise operations to prevent future outbreaks. Only time will tell whether these improvements will have a lasting impact on the safety of passengers.
Should You Still Book a Cruise in 2025?
With the rise in Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships in 2025, it’s clear that travellers need to exercise caution before booking their next cruise vacation. The threat of falling ill during your trip is very real, with multiple cruise lines already affected by the virus this year. While health and safety measures are improving, Norovirus outbreaks are still a significant concern for cruise passengers. If you’re still planning to take a cruise, ensure that you follow all health precautions, check cruise line policies, and stay informed about any ongoing outbreaks.
Your dream vacation could be ruined by the discomfort and inconvenience of gastrointestinal illness. As Norovirus outbreaks continue to affect the cruise industry, it is essential to weigh the risks before setting sail. Are you ready to take the chance, or will you wait for the cruise industry to make the necessary improvements? The choice is yours.
