Hantavirus, COVID, norovirus, legionnaires’: why are cruise ships so prone to disease outbreaks?
Published on: May 11, 2026, 11:15 a.m. | Source: Devdiscourse
In a review of previously published studies, researchers found 127 reports of norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships, with many linked to contaminated food, contaminated surfaces and person-to-person spread. Studies into cruise ship air quality have shown that illness can spread more easily in crowded, enclosed spaces, like cabins, restaurants and entertainment venues, if the ventilation system is not up to scratch.
