A norovirus outbreak on Cunard's luxury cruise ship, Queen Mary 2, affected 183 passengers and 14 crew members during a recent voyage, according to the CDC. The outbreak, impacting around 7% of the 2,538 passengers, caused symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
The ship departed England on March 8, stopping in New York before continuing to the Caribbean, visiting Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada.
Cunard responded by intensifying cleaning procedures, isolating sick individuals, and enhancing health protocols. The company stated these measures are proving effective.
Though often associated with cruise ships, norovirus outbreaks on them account for just 1% of cases in the US. The CDC reports around 2,500 norovirus outbreaks annually, mostly in healthcare facilities, schools, and restaurants.
The Queen Mary 2, known for its luxury amenities, frequently conducts transatlantic crossings, with prices ranging from $1,400 to over $35,000.