

Frequently Asked Questions

What is infectious gastroenteritis?

Gastrointestinal illness (gastroenteritis) is inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. The main symptoms include vomiting and watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, muscle aches, and headache.

Infections causing gastroenteritis can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic in origin. Norovirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis found on cruise ships. Types of bacterial gastroenteritis infections include Escherichia coli and Salmonella.

How does infectious gastroenteritis spread?

Individuals who have gastroenteritis can spread illness to others by touching handrails, elevator buttons, shared utensils, and other people while they are ill. Infections causing gastroenteritis can also be spread by contaminated food or water.

Can infectious gastroenteritis be prevented?

Yes. You can reduce your chance of becoming ill by washing your hands more frequently, keeping your hands away from your mouth, and avoiding any food or water that is thought to have been contaminated.

When a higher than expected number of passengers or crew become sick, ships implement additional cleaning procedures and use disinfectants to stop the illness.

For more information on handwashing tips and techniques, visit

To learn more about viral gastroenteritis, visit

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What should I do if I become ill with diarrhea or vomiting during a cruise?

If you become ill during a cruise, visit the ship’s medical center and follow the instructions of the medical staff aboard the ship. Be considerate of others, and wash your hands more frequently.

What can I do to stay healthy during a cruise?

For tips to stay healthy on your cruise vacation, see our cruising tips.

What additional measures are ships asked to take when an increased number of passengers or crew become ill?

Ships may be advised by CDC to do the following to reduce the spread of gastroenteritis on a ship:

  • Implement additional disinfection measures and cleaning procedures.
  • Advise passengers and crew who are ill to stay in their cabins until they are well for 24 hours after their last episode of diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Report numbers of cases of illness to CDC on a daily basis.
  • Discontinue certain high-risk activities or activities during a cruise.

Why have more outbreaks occurred since 2001?

More outbreaks have been reported since 2001 because

  • More passengers are sailing on more ships at sea, increasing the risk for spread of illness between passengers and increasing the total outbreak count, and
  • Outbreaks associated with noroviruses, a type of gastroenteritis spread from person to person, have increased.
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The ship that I sailed on had a high number of sick passengers or crew. Where can I find more information about the voyage?

The VSP website lists voyages during which the percentage of sick passengers or crew who reported their illness was over 3%. The website also lists additional outbreak prevention and control strategies conducted by the cruise line. You can find more information about the voyage at



Why isn’t the ship that I’m looking for listed in the inspection database?

The ship may not be in the inspection database because it does not meet the criteria for inspection. It might not have

  • A foreign itinerary,
  • A U.S. port, or
  • More than 13 passengers.

Looking for more information?

Visit the Vessel Sanitation Program Home Page.

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