Wednesday, January 8, 2025 The year 2024 brought turbulent times for the cruise industry, as Holland America’s Eurodam (departing from Port Everglades, Florida), Oceania Cruises’ Nautica (sailing from Miami, Florida), Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas , Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova , and Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas faced gastrointestinal outbreaks. These incidents left hundreds of passengers and crew ill, with cases reported during voyages across the Caribbean and other popular routes. From norovirus to salmonella and E.
coli, the outbreaks disrupted travel plans, forcing cruise lines to implement rigorous sanitation protocols and isolation measures to safeguard health while combating these highly contagious illnesses. Cruising offers the promise of relaxation, adventure, and luxury—but for hundreds of passengers this past year, their trips were interrupted by gastrointestinal illnesses. As the cruise industry continues its rapid growth, with an estimated 37.
1 million passengers expected to sail in 2025, it’s also grappling with a troubling rise in illness outbreaks. Recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals 2024 as the worst year for cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks in over a decade, with 16 incidents reported. Here’s a closer look at the ships affected and how they responded.
Holland America’s Eurodam The Eurodam, departing from Florida’s Port Everglades on December 30, saw 86 passengers and ei.
