More than 240 people on board the Queen Mary 2 fell ill during what was supposed to be a luxurious, month-long voyage across the Atlantic. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 224 passengers and 17 crew members contracted norovirus—the highly contagious stomach bug known for causing vomiting and diarrhea.
The Queen Mary 2 was in the middle of a 29-day roundtrip sailing from Southampton, England to the Caribbean and back. The ship had already made several stops, including New York and popular Caribbean islands, before beginning its return journey to the U.K.
The outbreak was officially reported to the CDC on March 18, 2025, roughly ten days into the voyage. From that point, health protocols were stepped up onboard to help contain the spread of the virus.
Known for its luxurious atmosphere and throwback to the golden age of ocean liners, the Queen Mary 2 is one of the most iconic ships in service. But what started as a luxury escape ended up being a rough journey for many.
The Luxury Voyage That Took a Turn
Setting sail from Southampton on March 8, the Queen Mary 2 promised guests nearly a month of luxury, tradition, and scenic stops. The ship’s itinerary featured some of the most iconic ports in the Caribbean, with stops in New York City, St. Maarten, Barbados, St. Kitts, and more. The cruise was designed for travelers wanting a mix of city energy and laid-back island vibes, with a return to the U.K. on April 6.
Marketed as a throwback to the golden age of transatlantic travel, the Queen Mary 2 stands apart from today’s typical cruise ships. It’s the only true ocean liner still in service, purpose-built for long-haul crossings and known for its upscale atmosphere, formal evenings, and stunning public spaces that evoke classic mid-century travel.
Passengers are often drawn to the ship’s unique character—think polished service, elegant traditions, and a slower pace that encourages you to savor the journey, not just the destinations.
What Is Norovirus and Why It Spreads Easily
Norovirus is one of the most contagious viruses out there, and unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to catch it. Often referred to as the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu”, norovirus causes intense but usually short-lived symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. In some cases, people may also experience a mild fever, headache, or body aches.
The virus spreads very easily, either through direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water, or touching a surface that has viral particles on it and then touching your mouth. In fact, it only takes a tiny amount to trigger an infection. This makes it incredibly difficult to control, especially in close quarters.
One of the things that makes norovirus so persistent is its ability to survive on surfaces for days, even after casual cleaning. It clings to doorknobs, handrails, utensils, and other shared items, making places like cruise ships particularly vulnerable.
According to the CDC, norovirus frequently causes outbreaks “in settings where people live in close quarters and can easily infect each other,” such as cruise ships, dormitories, camps, and hotels. These environments make it easy for the virus to spread rapidly through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or shared food and water.
How the Outbreak Was Handled
Once norovirus began spreading among guests and crew on the Queen Mary 2, Cunard acted quickly to contain the outbreak. Those with symptoms were immediately isolated in their cabins, while the ship’s crew ramped up deep cleaning and disinfection procedures across the vessel. High-touch areas like restrooms, restaurants, and handrails received extra attention under the line’s outbreak response plan.
To confirm and monitor the virus, stool specimens were collected from sick individuals and sent for testing. Cunard also consulted closely with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which remotely monitored the situation.
According to a statement from Cunard, a “comprehensive deep clean of the ship” was carried out, and the cruise line’s enhanced health and safety protocols were activated immediately. These included both routine cleaning enhancements and contingency measures tailored for gastrointestinal outbreaks.
By the time the ship returned to Southampton on April 6, officials said the outbreak had been effectively managed. While it wasn’t the ending anyone hoped for, Cunard’s quick action and coordination with health officials helped keep the situation from getting worse on one of the world’s most iconic ships.
Curious which cruise ships are the dirtiest? Read this article to find out.
Why Norovirus Is Called the “Cruise Ship Virus”
Norovirus has earned the nickname “the cruise ship virus” for good reason. Infectious disease experts, including Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, have long associated the illness with cruise travel.
While norovirus can spread anywhere, the unique environment of a cruise ship—where thousands of people share dining areas, restrooms, and recreation spaces for days or weeks at a time—creates the perfect setting for it to take hold.
As Dr. Schaffner explains, “You have this highly transmissible virus that’s introduced into an environment, the cruise ship, which is ideally designed for the rapid spread of a communicable disease.”
Even with strict sanitation protocols in place, outbreaks can still happen. That’s because norovirus is incredibly contagious and can survive on surfaces like handrails, elevator buttons, and buffet utensils for days.
All it takes is a few viral particles to trigger an infection, and once it starts spreading, it’s hard to contain completely. Cruise lines have made major improvements in hygiene and response procedures, but the nature of life at sea still makes such ships particularly vulnerable.
The Bigger Picture: Cruise Outbreaks Have Been Rising
The outbreak on the Queen Mary 2 isn’t an isolated incident—it’s part of a wider trend that’s been happening across the cruise industry. Illness at sea has been making a steady comeback, especially as ships return to full capacity and global travel rebounds.
In 2024 alone, the CDC recorded 16 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships—the highest number in over a decade (source). Fourteen of those were linked specifically to norovirus, showing just how common and stubborn the virus is on cruise ships.
And 2025 isn’t off to a great start either. As of early April, the CDC has already logged 11 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships, with nine of them confirmed to involve norovirus. Affected ships include Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, Holland America’s Rotterdam and Eurodam, Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess, Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, and Viking’s Viking Mars. Even luxury and smaller lines like Seabourn’s Encore have reported cases.
Experts suggest this rise may be tied to the post-pandemic rebound in cruising, larger numbers of travelers, and better reporting protocols. Regardless of why it’s happening, the rising cases show that health risks are still very present on cruise ships.
How to Stay Healthy at Sea
Staying healthy on a cruise starts with simple habits that make a big difference. One of the most important things you can do is wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
While hand sanitizers are convenient, they aren’t nearly as effective against norovirus. It’s also wise to be cautious about what you eat and drink—avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and stick to clean, safe food sources whenever possible.
If you’re feeling unwell, even slightly, it’s best to avoid traveling altogether. Norovirus spreads quickly, and boarding a ship while sick puts others at risk. If symptoms start once you’re onboard, don’t wait—report it to the ship’s medical staff right away.
Also, avoid sharing food or drinks with others, and steer clear of anyone showing signs of illness. These small precautions can help protect not just your own trip, but everyone else’s too.
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