Norovirus Outbreak on AIDAdiva: Over 100 Passengers and Crew Infected During World Cruise

The luxury cruise vessel departed from Hamburg, Germany, on November 10.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 passengers and crew members aboard a global cruise have contracted norovirus. The outbreak has affected the AIDAdiva, currently undertaking a 133-day world voyage that includes stops in 26 countries such as the US, UK, Japan, South Africa, Portugal, Mexico, and Sri Lanka. The vessel began its journey from Hamburg, Germany, on November 10.

CDC reports indicate that 95 passengers and six crew members on the AIDAdiva have been impacted by a norovirus outbreak, first documented on November 30. The ship had just left Miami and was heading to Cozumel when the outbreak was reported. Affected individuals primarily experienced diarrhea and vomiting.

In accordance with CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program guidelines, the crew implemented several measures: isolating ill individuals, strengthening cleaning and disinfection procedures, and collecting stool samples for analysis. The AIDAdiva is scheduled to complete its global journey and return to Hamburg on March 23.

An AIDA Cruises representative told People magazine: "Seasonal illness peaks between November and April and the AIDAdiva report reflects infection patterns on land. Therefore, we've added more hygiene protocols onboard, and cases are already going down."

Norovirus on Cruise Ships

Norovirus stands as the leading cause of gastroenteritis and is extremely contagious, spreading rapidly in confined environments such as cruise ships. The current outbreak on the AIDAdiva marks the 21st gastrointestinal illness outbreak reported to the CDC on cruise vessels in 2025. The CDC has documented 17 confirmed norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships so far in 2025, an increase from 15 in 2024 and 13 in 2023.

Health experts have expressed concern as norovirus cases are emerging earlier than usual across the United States. Typically, norovirus reaches its peak after the holiday season and into the New Year, when close-contact holiday gatherings create favorable conditions for transmission. However, this year's surge appears to be occurring ahead of the typical schedule.

In September, another incident involved Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, where a norovirus outbreak affected 71 passengers and 1 crew member during a 13-night voyage from San Diego to Miami. The CDC reported that the ship had implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, isolated affected individuals, and collected stool samples for testing.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly infectious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis - inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It transmits easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or direct contact with infected individuals. Often referred to as the "stomach flu," it has no relation to influenza but can spread quickly in crowded environments like schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes.

Common Symptoms:

Nausea

Vomiting (often sudden and forceful)

Diarrhea

Stomach cramps

Low-grade fever

Headache

Body aches

Fatigue

Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and may last 1 to 3 days. While most individuals recover quickly, the virus can cause dehydration, particularly in young children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems.

No specific treatment exists for norovirus. Rest, hydration, and electrolyte replacement are essential. For prevention, washing hands with soap and water proves more effective than hand sanitizers, and surfaces should be thoroughly disinfected.