Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreak Reported on Viking Polaris: 32 Cases Identified

Introduction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard the Viking Polaris during its 12-day voyage from April 11 to April 23, 2025. A total of 32 individuals—28 passengers and 4 crew members—reported symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis, including vomiting and diarrhea. While the causative agent remains unidentified, stool specimens are being collected for testing. Viking Expeditions has implemented enhanced sanitation protocols, isolated affected individuals, and consulted with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) to manage the situation. This marks the thirteenth gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship meeting the CDC’s public notification threshold in 2025, underscoring ongoing challenges in managing health outbreaks aboard vessels.

Details of the Incident

Outbreak Overview:

• Out of 355 passengers, 28 reported symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis.
• Four crew members out of 260 were also affected by the outbreak.
• The causative agent has not yet been identified; stool specimens are being tested to determine the source of the outbreak.

Response Measures:

• Viking Expeditions implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols across the ship.
• Affected individuals were isolated to prevent further transmission of the illness.
• The cruise line consulted with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) regarding sanitation procedures and illness reporting.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• The VSP is remotely monitoring the situation, reviewing the ship’s outbreak response and sanitation measures.
• This marks the thirteenth gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship meeting the CDC’s public notification threshold in 2025.
• Of the previous 12 outbreaks, ten were confirmed as norovirus, one as E. coli, and one as ciguatera.

Response and Impact

Enhanced Sanitation Protocols:

• High-touch areas were thoroughly disinfected, and hand hygiene stations were reinforced throughout the ship.
• Crew members received additional training on preventing and managing outbreaks.

Passenger Communication:

• Viking Expeditions kept passengers informed about the situation and the steps being taken to address it.
• Passengers were encouraged to report symptoms promptly to facilitate timely medical intervention.

Broader Implications:

• This incident highlights the persistent challenges of controlling highly contagious illnesses like norovirus in confined environments such as cruise ships.
• Industry experts emphasize the need for stricter pre-cruise health screenings, continuous onboard monitoring, and proactive communication with health authorities.

Key Takeaways:

• A gastrointestinal illness outbreak occurred aboard the *Viking Polaris* during its 12-day voyage through Canada, affecting 28 passengers and 4 crew members.
• The causative agent remains unidentified, with stool specimens being tested to determine the source of the outbreak.
• Viking Expeditions implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, isolated affected individuals, and consulted with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).
• This marks the thirteenth gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship meeting the CDC’s public notification threshold in 2025.
• The ship is scheduled to arrive in New York City on April 23, concluding its voyage.