Cruise enthusiasts in the United States planning a spring or summer vacation should be aware of potential health risks beyond turbulent waters, according to experts. Cutbacks in government funding have impacted the Vessel Sanitation Program, overseen by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is crucial for ship inspections and illness investigations.
These budget cuts stem from broader reductions initiated during the Trump administration and coincide with an increase in cruise ship outbreaks linked to a novel norovirus strain. Currently, the CDC has reported 16 illness outbreaks on cruise vessels under their jurisdiction this year, primarily attributed to norovirus. In comparison, there were 18 total outbreaks in 2024 and 14 in 2023, based on Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) reports. Last year, U.S. officials carried out close to 200 inspections across 150 ships.
As Donald Schaffner, a food science expert at Rutgers University, notes, these issues should be a consideration for anyone preparing to embark on a cruise. The situation raises questions about the future effectiveness of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
Under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s leadership, a recent restructuring of health agencies resulted in the dismantling of the CDC’s Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice. This move affected various crucial programs, including the cruise ship vessel program, and resulted in the discharge of four full-time CDC staff, as confirmed by Erik Svendsen, the former director of the defunct division. Though 12 U.S. Public Health Service commissioned officers remain, these positions lack the specialized expertise of the recently dismissed scientists. Svendsen highlighted that even before the cuts, the program dealt with staffing shortages.
While the CDC assures that the VSP’s work “has not stopped,” the long-term impact of these cuts remains uncertain. The spokesperson emphasized the continued importance of critical programs under Secretary Kennedy’s initiative.
Despite the challenges faced by the CDC, cruise industry officials argue that the likelihood of contracting a gastrointestinal illness is higher on land than at sea. The Cruise Lines International Association states that around 18 million people in North America board cruises annually, contributing to almost 32 million passengers globally. Norovirus remains the most prevalent illness monitored on ships, though less than 1% of U.S. norovirus cases are cruise-related, according to Lee-Ann Jaykus, a food microbiologist and virologist at North Carolina State University.
Nevertheless, even this small percentage equates to discomfort for hundreds of cruise passengers who might experience norovirus symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain for up to three days. The virus spreads easily through food or contact with surfaces, especially in crowded environments. While it often resolves quickly, it poses significant risks to individuals with preexisting health conditions, young children, and older adults.
A new norovirus strain, GII.17, has recently emerged as the leading cause of outbreaks. Although previously present at lower levels, it triggered an increased number of U.S. outbreaks during the past winter season. Between August 1 and April 9, over 2,400 suspected or confirmed norovirus incidents were reported, a number nearly double compared to the previous year. The CDC identified GII.17 as responsible for nearly 80% of these cases.
For those venturing on a cruise, taking preventive measures is advisable. Fully aware of the potential risk of norovirus, Schaffner advises sick individuals to avoid travel altogether; however, he acknowledges this might not be practical for those already on board. Cruise passengers who fall ill are required to report their condition and isolate themselves, but not everyone adheres to this guideline, potentially spreading the virus. Observing fellow travelers for signs of illness and practicing good hygiene, like washing hands thoroughly and frequently, are essential precautions. Soap and water are recommended for handwashing, as hand sanitizer isn’t as effective against norovirus, notes the CDC.
Cruise lines implement extensive sanitation measures that are inspected by the CDC’s vessel program. The fees for inspections, which range in the tens of thousands per ship annually, are paid by the industry. Schaffner cautions that the implications of the program’s funding cuts on inspections and outbreak investigations remain to be fully seen.
“If you want to have no disease outbreaks, all you have to do is fire all the epidemiologists,” Schaffner quipped, highlighting the significance of investigators in maintaining public health safety.