Cruise Outbreaks at 12-Year High, CDC Data Compares Cruise Lines

\In 2024, cruise ship outbreaks of stomach illness reached their highest level since 2012, but with only 16 reported cases among nearly 20 million passengers, the risk remains low. While cruise ships are often associated with norovirus, respiratory illnesses are actually more common, with rates 3-4 times higher than stomach illnesses.

Cruise lines enforce strict hygiene protocols to prevent outbreaks, such as kitchen safety measures and frequent cleaning. CDC inspection scores, which average 95.9 in 2024, do not strongly correlate with major outbreaks. Overall, despite occasional health concerns, the likelihood of encountering a significant illness on a cruise is minimal, thanks to robust safety measures. Read more from Forbes here.