Hundreds of passengers and crew members fell ill with norovirus on three different cruise ships in December, marking the only month in 2024 with multiple confirmed outbreaks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) logged outbreaks on Holland America’s Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, both in the Caribbean, and Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess in Hawaii. A total of 301 individuals were affected across these ships, experiencing symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
Holland America’s Rotterdam saw 83 passengers and 12 crew members fall ill, prompting enhanced cleaning and isolation measures. Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess reported 103 passengers and 12 crew members sickened.
Norovirus, often dubbed the "cruise ship virus," is particularly challenging to control due to close living quarters and shared dining areas on ships.