Over 200 Sickened By Norovirus Aboard Cruise Ship

A luxury transatlantic voyage aboard the Queen Mary 2 turned troublesome as over 200 passengers fell ill with a highly contagious norovirus during the month-long journey.

Key Takeaways

A total of 224 passengers and 17 crew members contracted norovirus out of 2,538 passengers and 1,232 crew during the Queen Mary 2’s voyage.
The outbreak triggered CDC monitoring after exceeding the 3% illness threshold for passengers.
Enhanced cleaning protocols and isolation of affected individuals were implemented, resulting in decreased case numbers.
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US, with 19-21 million cases annually.
The ship departed from Southampton on March 8 and was scheduled to return on April 6 after visiting New York and the Eastern Caribbean.

Outbreak Details and Response

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, one of the world’s most prestigious cruise ships, battled a significant norovirus outbreak during its month-long transatlantic voyage. The vessel, which departed from Southampton, U.K. on March 8, reported that 224 passengers and 17 crew members experienced symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis, including vomiting and diarrhea. These numbers represented approximately 8.8% of the 2,538 passengers and 1.4% of the 1,232 crew members aboard the luxury liner, which made its way back to Southampton over the weekend.

The outbreak was formally reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after exceeding the agency’s threshold of 3% of passengers or crew reporting symptoms. In response, the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program began remotely monitoring the situation. While the number of affected individuals may seem high, health officials emphasize that the figure represents the total accumulated cases throughout the voyage, not simultaneous infections. The ship began implementing enhanced sanitation protocols after the outbreak was identified.

A norovirus outbreak on the luxury cruise ship Queen Mary 2 has sickened over 200 passengers and 17 crew members. https://t.co/FRD9ZELT2E

— WNEP (@WNEP) April 3, 2025

Cruise Line’s Response and Containment Efforts

Cunard Line moved swiftly to address the outbreak, implementing comprehensive containment measures onboard the vessel. Affected passengers and crew were placed in isolation to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus. The cruise operator also conducted thorough disinfection procedures throughout the ship, particularly focusing on high-touch surfaces where norovirus can persist.

Despite the outbreak, the cruise continued its planned itinerary. After visiting New York and the Eastern Caribbean, the Queen Mary 2 embarked on its return voyage and was expected to arrive back in Southampton on April 6. Passengers who did not fall ill were able to continue enjoying the ship’s amenities, though with increased emphasis on hygiene practices and preventative measures designed to limit further transmission of the virus.

Understanding Norovirus and Prevention Strategies

Norovirus is notorious for its ability to spread rapidly in enclosed environments like cruise ships, where thousands of people share common spaces, dining facilities, and recreational areas. It’s highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or by consuming food or liquids that have been tainted with the virus. The CDC identifies norovirus as the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for 19-21 million cases annually.

Health experts note that a new norovirus variant, GII.17, has become more prevalent. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after infection and generally last one to three days in healthy adults. While norovirus infection can be extremely unpleasant, it’s usually self-limiting in otherwise healthy individuals. Medical professionals recommend staying well-hydrated and replacing lost electrolytes while the virus runs its course, as there is no specific medication to treat the infection.

Protective Measures

The CDC recommends several preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting norovirus, especially for those traveling on cruise ships or in other close-quarter environments. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water is paramount, as alcohol-based sanitizers alone are not fully effective against norovirus. People should wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption and ensure shellfish is cooked to at least 145°F, as these foods can harbor the virus if improperly prepared.

While norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships often make headlines, health officials emphasize that the virus is just as common on land. It results in approximately 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths annually in the US, primarily affecting adults over 65 and those with compromised immune systems, per the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.