A norovirus outbreak has struck the luxury cruise ship Queen Mary 2, sickening over 224 passengers and 17 crew members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ship, operated by Cunard Line, departed Southampton, England, on March 8 and is on a month-long journey through New York and the Caribbean before returning to the UK on April 6.
The outbreak was reported on March 18, prompting the crew to ramp up sanitation efforts, isolate the sick, and collect samples for testing. Norovirus, commonly known as the “stomach flu,” is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and sometimes fever and dehydration. It’s the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S.
This marks yet another incident in a growing trend—2025 has already seen 12 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships, signaling a recurring issue for the industry. Norovirus spreads easily through contaminated food, surfaces, and person-to-person contact, making ships particularly vulnerable due to shared spaces and close quarters.
While the illness usually resolves within a few days in healthy adults, there is no specific antiviral treatment. The CDC advises hydration, rest, and maintaining strict hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water. Preventative food safety measures, like washing produce and properly cooking seafood, also help reduce the risk.
Cruise lines face increasing pressure to step up preventive protocols as these outbreaks tarnish passenger experiences and highlight ongoing public health vulnerabilities.
