Image by Anja from Pixabay
An outbreak of norovirus on Aida Cruises marks the 21st outbreak on cruises this year. Reports indicate that nearly 100 people have become sick so far with this highly contagious virus on this ship. Sanitation efforts are in place. However, the ship is not scheduled to report to port for another week.
Here’s what we know about the outbreak of norovirus on Aida Cruises so far.
AIDAdiva, a ship on the Aida Cruises cruise line departed Hamburg, Germany on November 10, 2025. Stops along the way included England, the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica. The cruise is scheduled to arrive at its final port of call on December 16, 2025.
Things took a turn just after Thanksgiving. On November 30, 2025, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) received reports of an outbreak of norovirus on Aida Cruises.
Sick passengers reported symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. Norovirus was identified as the “causative agent.” However, a food source has not been indicated.
So far 95 passengers (of the 2,007 aboard) and six crew members (of the 640 aboard) have reported illness.
In response to the outbreak of norovirus on Aida Cruises AIDAdiva, ship medical personnel and management have consulted with VSP about sanitation cleaning procedures and reported sick passengers. The crew has increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to their outbreak response plan. Sick crew and passengers have been isolated to reduce spread of the highly contagious virus. Samples of stool specimens from those with gastrointestinal illness have been collected for testing.
According to the CDC, “VSP is remotely monitoring the situation, including review of the ship’s outbreak response and sanitation procedures.”
Outbreaks on cruises, especially norovirus outbreaks, are pretty common on cruises. In fact, 16 of the 21 reported outbreaks have involved this germ.
But why?
According to VSP, in 2024, more than 20 million passengers embarked from North American ports on cruise vacations.
These cruises imply the promise of new environments and destinations, an all-in-one experience, and a literal buffet of included food.
But it only involves a high volume of people from different places.
Overall, exposure events commonly from person-to-person contact, subsequent contamination of food or water, and confined spaces makes spreading contagious illnesses rather easy.
Norovirus is a highly contagious germ commonly spread through fecal-oral route. If that phrase doesn’t paint a picture for you, let me put it in simple terms.
It all comes down to poop. Albeit, trace amounts of poop in most cases. As few as 10 viral particles can make a person sick and continue spreading the illness. It is something that people don’t want to think about. Which is why it is often referred to as a “stomach bug” or “stomach flu. Despite the illness being an entirely different virus from the influenza. This is mostly due to the fact that it shares quite a few symptoms with the flu virus and many times a source cannot be identified.
Common symptoms of norovirus infection include:
There is no medical treatment protocol for norovirus. Antibiotics are not effective against this type of infection, so your best course of action is to hydrate and rest until symptoms subside. Seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or you become dehydrated.
You are most contagious and likely to transmit your illness to others while you are feeling sick through the first few days of feeling better. So be careful when you are sick to reduce the risk of spreading the illness to others.
But how do you protect yourself from getting sick in the first place?
When it comes to foodborne illness, there are some things outside of your control and some that are. For example, you have to trust that those that are preparing your food are doing so safely and are not spreading their own illness. Aside from bringing your own food (pretty much impossible on a cruise ship), that is outside of your control.
So what are some of the things that are within your control?
One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from foodborne illness on a cruise ship is to wash your hands. In fact, it is one of the most important defenses against illness in general.
Wash your hands after using the bathroom, helping someone in the bathroom, or changing a diaper. Wash your hands before you eat, prepare, or serve food.
Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer and wash your hands as soon as you are able to.
I know, I know. Buffets are synonymous with cruises. But they are as risky as buffets on land. Multiple people handling serving utensils, potentially reusing a used plate, and much of the population stands shorter than the “protective” sneeze guards.
Instead of self-service buffets, choose those served by staff instead. Or choose to dine at the sit-down restaurants offered on the ship. These are safer bets.
It is tempting to burn the midnight oil for fun instead of for work while on vacation. Especially on a cruise, where there is something to do at just any time of the day. But you will still want to make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Make sure you are getting rest to rebuild your immune system. Take any medications or vitamins you normally take.
Take care of your body so that it will take care of you.
If you become sick, notify the ship’s medical center right away. Follow their recommendations for your safety and the safety of others.
If you see (or hear) someone get sick. For example, vomiting or diarrhea. Leave the area immediately and notify cruise staff if they are not already aware of the situation.
With so many reported outbreaks and risks associated with cruise ships, you may be wondering if you should rethink your upcoming cruise plans?
That is a very personal question.
Many people safely cruise with no issues. Being vigilant and ensuring you protect yourself in all the ways that you can goes a long way.
If you want to cruise… I say, happy sailing!
If you have been impacted by this outbreak of norovirus on Aida Cruises, or another cruise ship outbreak and want to file a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a norovirus lawyer that can help!
Foodborne illness is inconvenient, disruptive to your personal and professional life, and in some cases serious or life-threatening. Most of the time foodborne illness is completely preventable. Lapses in food safety or sanitation protocols result in consumers becoming sick.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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