Cruising is a beloved vacation option for millions of travelers each year. The convenience, variety, and excitement of exploring multiple destinations while onl...
Worried about norovirus ruining your dream cruise? You're not the only one.
The CDC reports that norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks on cruise ships. But here's the good news: With the right knowledge and preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Quick Answer
Top tips to avoid norovirus on a cruise:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water aren't available
- Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes
- Choose cruise lines with robust sanitation protocols and high CDC Vessel Sanitation Program scores
- Opt for well-cooked foods and avoid raw or undercooked items
- Stay hydrated with bottled water and avoid ice cubes in drinks
- Report any illness symptoms immediately to the ship's medical center
Understanding Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, low-grade fever, headache, and body aches.
Symptoms typically appear 12-48 hours after exposure and last 1-3 days. While most people recover without complications, norovirus can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Here's how norovirus spreads:
Contaminated food or water. Even a tiny amount of virus can make you sick.
Close contact with an infected person. The virus is extremely contagious.
Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. This is the most common transmission route on ships.
On cruise ships, norovirus can spread quickly due to close living quarters, shared dining areas, and rapid turnover of passengers. According to a study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships affect an average of 2.4% of passengers per voyage.
High-Risk Areas on Cruise Ships
While norovirus can spread anywhere on a ship, some areas pose higher risk:
- Public restrooms
- Buffet lines and shared serving utensils
- Handrails, elevator buttons, and door handles
- Pools, hot tubs, and water play areas
- Childcare facilities
By understanding how norovirus spreads and which areas require extra caution, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself.
CDC Vessel Sanitation Program
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operates the Vessel Sanitation Program to help prevent and control gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships. The VSP conducts twice-yearly, unannounced inspections of cruise ships visiting U.S. ports.
During inspections, the VSP evaluates medical facilities, potable water systems, swimming pools, galleys, dining rooms, child activity centers, hotel accommodations, ventilation systems, and common areas.
Ships are scored on a 100-point scale, with any score below 86 considered unsatisfactory. Cruise lines that consistently score well on VSP inspections demonstrate a commitment to passenger health and safety.
When booking your cruise, research the VSP scores of potential ships. Prioritize those with a history of high scores. You can search for individual ship inspection reports on the CDC's VSP website.
Key Takeaway: Choose cruise ships with high CDC Vessel Sanitation Program scores to reduce your norovirus risk.
Effective Handwashing: Your First Line of Defense
Frequent, thorough handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent norovirus spread. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching garbage
When soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. However, note that hand sanitizers are not as effective as soap and water at removing norovirus particles.
To ensure you're washing long enough, try singing "Happy Birthday" twice. Pay special attention to your fingertips, thumbs, and the backs of your hands—areas often missed.
Encouraging Kids to Wash Their Hands
Getting children to wash their hands properly can be challenging, but it's essential. Try these tips:
- Lead by example and wash your own hands frequently
- Make it fun with sing-along songs or handwashing games
- Use kid-friendly soap dispensers and colorful towels
- Offer praise and small rewards for proper handwashing
- Pack portable hand sanitizers for on-the-go use
By prioritizing handwashing for your entire family, you can significantly reduce norovirus risk.
Smart Food and Beverage Choices
While cruise ship galleys are subject to strict sanitation standards, contaminated food and water can still spread norovirus. To minimize your risk, follow these guidelines:
Choose Well-Cooked Foods
Opt for thoroughly cooked meals and avoid raw or undercooked items:
- Sushi and sashimi
- Rare meats
- Raw oysters and shellfish
- Unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses
- Raw fruits and vegetables (unless washed thoroughly)
Heat kills norovirus particles, so well-cooked foods are generally safer.
Stay Hydrated with Bottled Water
Drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes made from tap water, as they may be contaminated. If you're unsure about the safety of the water, stick to sealed, bottled beverages.
Take Precautions at the Buffet
Cruise ship buffets can be prime spots for norovirus transmission. To stay safe:
- Use hand sanitizer before entering the buffet line
- Avoid serving yourself with utensils touched by others
- Don't eat from communal bowls or platters
- Ask staff to serve you whenever possible
- Choose pre-packaged, single-serve items when available
By being mindful of your food and beverage choices, you help prevent norovirus spread.
Key Takeaway: Opt for thoroughly cooked foods, bottled beverages, and take precautions at buffets to minimize norovirus risk.
What to Do If You Get Sick
Despite your best prevention efforts, it's still possible to contract norovirus. If you or a travel companion experiences symptoms, take these steps:
Report your illness to the ship's medical center immediately. This helps the crew contain the outbreak and prevents further spread.
Follow the medical staff's instructions for quarantine and treatment. You may be asked to remain in your cabin to avoid infecting others.
Stay hydrated with clear liquids. Water, clear broths, and electrolyte beverages are essential. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which worsen dehydration.
Rest and allow your body time to recover. Don't rush to resume normal activities until you've been symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
Inform your travel companions. Ask them to monitor their own health closely. They may need to take additional precautions.
Remember, cruise ship medical facilities are well-equipped to handle norovirus cases and help prevent outbreaks. By reporting your illness promptly and following staff guidance, you protect yourself and fellow passengers.
Plan Your Accessible Cruise with PurpleMangos
At PurpleMangos, we understand that health and accessibility are top priorities for cruisers. That's why we've developed tools and resources to help you plan the safest, most enjoyable cruise vacation possible.
Use our Cruise Ship Accessibility Finder to search for ships with high CDC Vessel Sanitation Program scores, robust medical facilities, and accommodations that meet your specific needs. We'll help you find the perfect cruise line and itinerary for your family's health and comfort.
With a bit of preparation and smart decision-making, you can minimize your norovirus risk and focus on creating unforgettable memories on your next cruise adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get norovirus from swimming in the cruise ship pool?
While less common than other transmission methods, it is possible to contract norovirus from swimming in a contaminated pool or hot tub. Cruise ships maintain proper chlorine levels, but if an infected person enters the water, there's still risk. Avoid swallowing pool water and shower before and after swimming.
Are hand sanitizers effective against norovirus?
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol can help reduce norovirus spread, but they're not as effective as soap and water. Norovirus particles are difficult to eliminate with hand sanitizer alone. Whenever possible, opt for handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
How long does norovirus survive on surfaces?
Norovirus can survive on surfaces for days or even weeks, depending on environmental conditions. The virus tends to persist longer on hard surfaces like stainless steel and plastic than on soft surfaces. This is why frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your face are so important.
Can I sue a cruise line if I get norovirus on my trip?
It's difficult to successfully sue a cruise line for contracting norovirus. You'd need to prove that the cruise line was negligent in its sanitation practices, which directly led to your illness. If you believe you have a strong case, consult with an experienced maritime law attorney.
Should I purchase travel insurance that covers norovirus?
Yes, it's a good idea to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for trip interruption and medical expenses related to norovirus. Some policies even offer "cancel for any reason" coverage. Always read the fine print and understand exactly what your policy covers.
Can I prevent norovirus by taking probiotics or other supplements?
While some studies suggest that probiotics and certain supplements may help prevent or reduce the severity of norovirus symptoms, the evidence is limited. The best ways to prevent norovirus are frequent handwashing, avoiding contaminated food and water, and following your ship's sanitation guidelines.
Are there any medications that can treat norovirus?
There are no specific medications that can cure norovirus. Treatment primarily involves managing symptoms and preventing dehydration. Your ship's medical staff may recommend over-the-counter medications like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
How can I find out if my cruise ship has had recent norovirus outbreaks?
You can search for your cruise ship's recent inspection reports and outbreak history on the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program website. Look for the "Green Sheet" report, which provides details on confirmed norovirus outbreaks in the past year.
What should I pack in my travel health kit to prepare for potential norovirus?
When packing your travel health kit, include alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), disinfecting wipes, oral rehydration salts, over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication, disposable gloves and masks, thermometer, ginger tea for nausea relief, and bottled water.
Can I get a refund if I have to cancel my cruise due to norovirus concerns?
Refund policies vary by cruise line. Many offer flexible cancellation policies that allow you to change your sailing date or receive future cruise credit. However, if you cancel close to your departure date, you may face penalties or lose your deposit. "Cancel for any reason" travel insurance can provide valuable protection.
About the Author: Mike Kwak is the founder of PurpleMangos and a cruise accessibility expert. He's passionate about helping all cruisers—especially those with disabilities—plan smooth sailing vacations. Explore more cruise health and accessibility guides on PurpleMangos.
Related Articles
How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise: Medications, Remedies, and Cabin Selection
Picture this: You've booked your dream Caribbean cruise, counting down the days until departure. But there's one nagging worry keeping you up at night—what if y...
Complete Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Cruising 2025
Cruising is a fantastic way to explore the world, but for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges, it can seem daunting. The good news is that with...
Norwegian Aqua & MSC World America: Accessibility Review 2025
Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises are set to launch two of the most anticipated new ships in 2025: Norwegian Aqua and MSC World America. As the cruise indus...