Norovirus Outbreaks Aboard Queen Mary 2 and Seabourn Encore: Over 225 Affected

Introduction
More than 225 cases of gastrointestinal illness have been reported in norovirus outbreaks aboard two cruise ships—Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 and Seabourn Cruises’ Seabourn Encore . According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these incidents are part of a broader trend, with 12 gastrointestinal outbreaks reported on cruise ships so far in 2025, ten of which were linked to norovirus. Both cruise lines implemented enhanced sanitation protocols, including isolation measures, to contain the spread of the virus and ensure passenger safety.

Details of the Incident

Queen Mary 2 :

• Affected individuals: 183 passengers, 14 crew members.
• Voyage details: Transatlantic itinerary departing Southampton, England, on March 8, 2025, with scheduled stops in New York and the Caribbean.
• Symptoms reported: Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps consistent with norovirus infection.

Seabourn Encore :

• Affected individuals: 7 passengers, 22 crew members.
• Voyage details: Japan and Hawaii itinerary beginning on March 16, 2025.
• Symptoms reported: Similar gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

In response to the outbreaks, both cruise lines followed CDC guidelines, implementing strict mitigation measures:

• Isolating symptomatic individuals to prevent further transmission.
• Conducting thorough disinfection of high-touch areas, cabins, and public spaces.
• Collecting samples for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of norovirus.
• Educating passengers and crew about hand hygiene and preventive practices.

Response and Impact
The CDC confirmed that both Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruises cooperated fully with health authorities to manage the outbreaks. While the cruise lines acted swiftly to implement containment measures, the incidents highlight the persistent challenges of controlling highly contagious illnesses like norovirus in confined environments such as cruise ships.

Passenger reactions varied, with some commending the cruise lines for their transparency and rapid response, while others expressed frustration over the disruption caused by the outbreaks. Both companies assured travelers of their commitment to safety and reiterated their cooperation with health authorities to address the situation effectively.

Industry experts stress the importance of stricter pre-cruise health screenings, continuous monitoring, and proactive measures to reduce the risk of norovirus outbreaks. These incidents also underscore the need for improved communication between cruise operators and passengers during health-related disruptions.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 225 individuals were affected by norovirus outbreaks aboard *Queen Mary 2* (197 cases) and *Seabourn Encore* (29 cases) in March 2025.
• The outbreaks are part of a broader trend, with 12 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks reported on cruise ships this year, 10 linked to norovirus.
• Cunard and Seabourn implemented isolation protocols, enhanced cleaning, and other CDC-recommended measures to contain the outbreaks.
• *Queen Mary 2* was on a transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York and the Caribbean, while *Seabourn Encore* sailed a Japan-Hawaii itinerary.
• The incidents highlight ongoing challenges in preventing norovirus outbreaks aboard cruise ships and the importance of proactive health measures.