Over 100 passengers and crew members have been affected by a gastrointestinal illness outbreak during a 133-day cruise voyage. The AIDAdiva vessel, operated by the German cruise line AIDA, embarked on the four-month journey from Hamburg on November 10, with scheduled stops in various countries such as the US, England, Mexico, Japan, and South Africa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed a norovirus outbreak on November 30 after the ship visited Boston, New York, Miami, and Charleston.
Upon detecting the outbreak, the ship’s crew implemented strict infection control measures, including enhanced cleaning protocols and isolation of sick individuals. The CDC reported that 95 passengers out of 2,007 and six crew members out of 640 experienced symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. AIDA Cruises mentioned that the situation improved after reinforcing hygiene procedures.
The cruise is set to conclude in March 2026 upon its return to Hamburg. This incident follows a similar outbreak on a Royal Caribbean cruise where 94 passengers out of 1,874 and four crew members out of 883 fell ill. The CDC has documented 21 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships this year, with norovirus being the leading cause in most cases.
Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, typically resolves within a couple of days. Common symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, fever, headache, and body aches. The NHS advises rest, hydration, and avoiding certain foods to facilitate recovery. AIDA Cruises stated that they have heightened hygiene measures onboard to combat the seasonal illness peak occurring between November and April.