Cruise ship illness: Lawyers set out key advice as number of passengers falling ill hits 10-year high

The cruise industry faced unprecedented challenges in 2024 as stomach bug outbreaks reached their highest levels in over a decade, according to press reports. 

They say that the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that 2024 saw a significant surge in gastrointestinal illnesses among passengers, raising concerns about the health and safety controls on-board vessels. 

This alarming trend has prompted industry experts and health officials to scrutinise the factors contributing to these outbreaks and to seek effective solutions to protect passengers. As the popularity of cruise holidays continues to grow, understanding and addressing the causes of these outbreaks has become more critical than ever.

Lawyers representing more passengers affected by cruise ship illness outbreaks  

We've seen a marked uptick in passengers caught up in illness outbreaks instructing solicitors. These include hundreds who fell ill on the MS Ventura last year. 

More recently a British man tragically passed away after contracting norovirus during a month-long cruise on the MV Arcadia in September 2024. 

Key advice to reduce the risk of contracting illness  

Illness problems on cruise liners can emerge in all kinds of situations. If issues arise, there are some key points to bear in mind to help protect yourself and deal with an illness while on board the cruise.

Wash your hands

It goes without saying that illnesses such as norovirus are most commonly transmitted via person to person contact. Thoroughly washing hands and more often than normal can help kill any germs before they can infect you. Particular care should be taken when coming into contact with surfaces in common areas such as stairway railings, lifts and slot machines. 

In addition, it's advisable to frequently use hand sanitiser, especially in areas that are busier and where there's no easy access to hand washing facilities. Cruise ships should have hand sanitiser stations placed strategically around common areas, however it is advisable to also carry your own. 

It's important to note that hand sanitisers are not a replacement for basic hand washing. 

Drink fluids

Cruise ship tap water is safe to drink unless you're told otherwise by the vessel’s authorities. However, it's important to note that when visiting certain destinations, you will need to drink bottled water to avoid getting sick. 

If you do fall ill with gastric illness it's important to ensure that you keep hydrated. If you're struggling to keep down water, try taking re-hydration sachets. It's also important to consult the on-board medical team in case you need to resort to being placed on a drip as dehydration can lead to serious health complications. 

Eat safe food

Where it appears that staff members who handle food might be infected raise your concerns and avoid any food that might have been handled by them. Food that might be contaminated with norovirus should be thrown out.

What to do if you fall ill

Report symptoms

Many cruise liners ask passengers to fill out forms indicating whether they've experienced certain symptoms in the past week before they embark. If you've been feeling under the weather, please answer these questions honestly.

It doesn't mean that you will be automatically removed from the cruise. While contagious passengers might find themselves quarantined in their cabin for part of the holiday, you're helping the rest of the passengers and crew by not spreading your virus around the ship and causing more travellers to become ill.

If you experience symptoms during your cruise it's important to immediately report them to the medical centre. Try not to visit the medical centre personally unless you have been told to do so. The medical centre will normally monitor reports of illness and take precautions or issue advice in the event of an outbreak, so it's important that they are informed from the onset. They will also be able to ensure that you receive the proper care and treatment when dealing with your symptoms. 

Ensure that any report is documented in writing. Where you are not given a copy of the documentation ensure that you note down when you reported the illness and to whom. It is helpful to note both a name and description of the individual in question. 

Seek medical advice

Once you're home it's important to seek advice from your GP, especially if you're still experiencing symptoms. Your GP will be able to arrange for tests and provide advice or medication to assist you with managing your symptoms. 

If you're unable to attend a GP appointment because of symptoms it's advisable to seek medical advice via A&E. Once the acute symptoms have stopped and you feel well in yourself again, if you notice any changes to your normal health - for example an altered bowel habit or fatigue - it's important to follow up with your GP for further investigations and treatment.

Send a formal letter of complaint

Even where you've reported the illness while on the cruise it's advisable to send a detailed letter to your cruise operator, particularly if you've noticed issues showing a deficiency in health and hygiene practices. 

Seek legal advice

If you’re unhappy with how your complaint has been handled by your cruise operator, you could consider seeking advice from a specialist solicitor. 

Instructing solicitors allows them not only to investigate the cause of your illness and establish answers on your behalf but also allows those in need to access any specialist ongoing support and rehabilitation they require.

Conclusion

The effects of gastric illness can be long-lasting and lead to serious health complications, therefore their severity should never be downplayed. 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting those who have fallen ill aboard cruise ships at our dedicated cruise illness claims sections.