Talking Points: Norovirus and Cruising (May 9, 2016)
Talking Points – Norovirus and Cruising
Copyright © 2016 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.
The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and customers when
talking about norovirus and cruising. (Updated May 9, 2016)
1. You’re much more likely to catch the “stomach flu” during normal daily activity than
you are on a cruise ship.
2. Cruising remains an extremely safe and healthy vacation option with the well-being of
guests and crew being one of the cruise industry’s highest priorities.
3. Cruise passengers can take simple preventative measures to help decrease the risk of
becoming infected with norovirus.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each
talking point.
1. You’re much more likely to catch the “stomach flu” during normal daily activity than
you are on a cruise ship.
Norovirus is a very common illness in the United States and is sometimes also called
viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and/or food poisoning, but is not related to influenza.
o Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and possible stomach cramping. Those
with the virus may also experience a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle
aches, nausea, and tiredness.
o There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus.
o Most people get better within one to three days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 20 million
Americans contract norovirus every year during normal activity. Noroviruses can be
found in hospitals, day care centers, nursing homes, dormitories and schools, in addition
to cruise ships.
The American Medical Association (AMA) concluded: “Perceptions that cruise ships can
be luxury breeding grounds for acute gastroenteritis outbreaks don’t hold water. A recent
CDC report showed that from 2008 to 2014, only 0.18% of more than 73 million cruise
passengers and 0.15% of some 28 million crew members reported symptoms of the
illness.”
Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year. But, according to the CDC, over 80% of
the outbreaks occur from November to April.
As of May 9, 2016, the CDC has only confirmed eight norovius outbreaks in 2016. Those
outbreaks were aboard the Crown Princess (January 8-18), Oceania Riviera (February
12-22), Ocean Princess (February 13 – March 7), Anthem of the Seas (February 21 –
March 2), Carnival Sunshine (February 21-March 5), Norwegian Gem (March 12-22),
Oceania Riviera (March 20-April 2), and Fred Olson Cruises’ Balmoral (April 16-May 20).
In 2015, the CDC confirmed just 12 outbreaks of norovirus aboard cruise ships.
2. Cruising remains an extremely safe and healthy vacation option with the well-being of
guests and crew being one of the cruise industry’s highest priorities.
The public hears about norovirus outbreaks on ships not because they happen more
frequently, but because unlike other segments of the travel and hospitality industry,
cruise ships carrying 13 or more passengers which have a foreign itinerary with U.S.
ports are required to participate in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Cruise ship
medical staff or other designated personnel are required to maintain a log of cases of
gastrointestinal illnesses and report those to the CDC.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) each member cruise line
has an outbreak prevention and response plan to address gastrointestinal illnesses
which includes:
o Extensive cleaning and disinfecting of all staterooms and public areas on a daily
basis including counters, bathroom surfaces, door handles, railings and grab bars,
exercise equipment, video arcade equipment, vanities, TV remote controls and more.
o Extensive onboard communications to encourage passengers to thoroughly wash
their hands frequently to help avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.
o The elimination of all self-serve buffets (passengers point to the food they would like
and staff will serve them).
o Extra crew may be brought on board to disinfect the ship with the CDCrecommended
disinfectants from top to bottom before additional passengers board
on turnaround days.
o All crew who have norovirus symptoms may be confined to their quarters or
transferred off the ship.
3. Cruise passengers can take simple preventative measures to help decrease the risk of
becoming infected with norovirus.
Frequently wash hands with soap and warm water; it’s one of the best preventative
measures one can take.
Take advantage of the hand-sanitizer stations located throughout the ship, particularly
those located at the entrances of dining areas.
Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. Resting helps rebuild your immune system.
Drinking water helps prevents dehydration.
Be considerate of other people’s health. We urge our clients who may feel ill before their
cruise to contact us to learn what their alternative cruising options may be.
Anyone seeking additional information on norovirus and proper hand-washing
techniques can visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov or the Vessel Sanitation
Program’s website at www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp.