Cruise ships have been hit by the worst stomach bug outbreaks in over a decade, with norovirus cases skyrocketing across the US.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dubbed 2024 as the most troublesome year for stomach illnesses on cruise liners since 2012.
December 2024 saw five norovirus outbreaks alone, contributing to a staggering total of 890 cases. Throughout the year, from January 3 to December 29, there were 16 outbreaks reported.
According to The Independent, norovirus was identified as the culprit in 11 of these incidents. This highly infectious virus causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea in those affected.
The CDC advises that while most people recover from norovirus within one to three days, the virus can still be transmitted for several days post-recovery.
“Most outbreaks occur when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact (such as caring for them, sharing food, or eating utensils with them),” the CDC warns.
Annually, the CDC estimates the US sees between 2,500 norovirus outbreaks, resulting in 19 to 21 million cases, particularly between November and April, which is considered the peak season for the virus, reports the Mirror.
In December, the CDC published its yearly Vessel Sanitation Program list, revealing the filthiest cruise ships of the past year.
The cleanliness of these vessels is rated out of 100, taking into account various factors, including the hygiene of the pools.
Throughout 2024, a total of 152 inspections were conducted, with 23 necessitating a second look.
The average score was a commendable 95.9, but nine of the dirtiest ships only managed to score between 86 and 89.
A score below 85 is deemed ‘non-satisfactory’. In a shocking revelation, the Hanseatic Inspiration by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises scored a dismal 62 in September.
However, an October re-inspection saw its score improve to 89. Here are the nine ships that failed to achieve a score of 90 or above in 2024:
- Hanseatic Inspiration by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (originally scored 62 in September before it scored 89 in October)
- Carnival Elation by Carnival Cruise Line (scored 89 in March)
- Adventure of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International (scored 89 in January)
- National Geographic Sea Bird by Lindblad Expeditions (scored 88 in July)
- Carnival Miracle by Carnival Cruise Line (scored 88 in April)
- MSC Magnifica by MSC Cruises (scored 86 in May)
- Evrima by Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (scored 86 in February)
- Carnival Breeze by Carnival Cruise Line (scored 86 in March)
- Caribbean Princess by Princess Cruises (scored 86 in March)