The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess, a cruise ship bound for Florida. The report comes as many travelers prepare for upcoming trips, including families departing from the Port of Los Angeles.
Passengers said they are looking forward to their vacations despite the risks associated with close quarters at sea. Still, many travelers acknowledge illnesses can spread easily on cruise ships and say they are taking steps to protect themselves.
"We're washing our hands if we have something available. If not, we have hand sanitizer on us all the time," one traveler said.
Health experts emphasize basic precautions remain effective in preventing the spread of disease.
"Most common sense measures still work," said Dr. Suman Radhakrishna, an infectious disease specialist with Dignity Health California Hospital.
Concerns have also been fueled by an ongoing investigation into a rare hantavirus outbreak aboard a Dutch-based cruise ship. Radhakrishna noted the overall risk to the public remains very low, despite the severity of the illness.
"When you talk about up to 40 to 50% mortality rate, it means 1 out of 2 people could die from hantavirus," Radhakrishna said.
The World Health Organization is investigating 13 cases of the Andes strain of hantavirus, resulting in three deaths. It is the only known strain of hantavirus that can spread from person to person.
Symptoms typically resemble the flu, including fever, headache and muscle aches, but differ in certain ways.
"The one thing for sure that they don't have is that runny nose and the sore throat," Radhakrishna said.
While the hantavirus outbreak has drawn global concern, health officials say norovirus remains a more immediate and frequent issue on cruise ships.
The CDC reported 115 cases aboard the Caribbean Princess, underscoring how quickly the illness can spread.
"The symptoms start with violent nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. It's typically short-lived," Radhakrishna said.
Norovirus spreads rapidly through shared surfaces or close contact, conditions common on cruise ships. Regular cruisers say they are prepared to take extra precautions.
"A bunch of us have a mask with us and we'll be putting them on," said Ron Hester, a cruise ship passenger.
He and his family also packed hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, saying they plan to avoid anyone who appears ill.
Radhakrishna advises travelers to delay trips if they are sick and to notify crew members immediately if symptoms develop while on board so they can isolate and prevent further spread.
As cruise demand continues, health experts say awareness and simple preventive measures can help reduce the risk of illness at sea.