Norovirus Outbreak on Queen Mary 2: Over 240 Ill on Caribbean Cruise

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Gastrointestinal Illness on Queen Mary 2: Health Authority Confirms Norovirus Outbreak
A significant outbreak of gastrointestinal illness has affected numerous passengers and crew members aboard Cunard Line's cruise ship Queen Mary 2. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the incidents occurred during the ship's ongoing Caribbean cruise. The voyage runs from March 8 to April 6, 2025, beginning and ending in Southampton.

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As of the official reporting date to U.S. authorities on March 18, 2025, 224 out of 2,538 passengers and 17 out of 1,232 crew members were reported ill. Tests confirmed Norovirus as the cause of the gastrointestinal symptoms.

In response to the increased number of cases, the Queen Mary 2's crew promptly implemented comprehensive hygiene protocols. These measures include intensified cleaning and disinfection procedures in public areas and cabins, collecting specimens from ill individuals for Norovirus testing, and isolating affected persons to prevent further spread.

As the ship's itinerary included two calls in New York City, the reporting and preventive measures fell under CDC jurisdiction. The ship's command maintained close communication with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) to manage the situation.

The Queen Mary 2 is currently on its transatlantic return voyage from New York City to Southampton. The 29-day cruise, which was also available to book in segments, is scheduled to conclude there on April 6, 2025. The Norovirus outbreak is expected to be contained by then. Nevertheless, enhanced hygiene protocols are anticipated to be implemented as a precaution during the passenger changeover in Southampton to prevent carry-over to the next voyage.

Cunard Line also highlights the importance of passengers taking preventive measures. Individuals exhibiting symptoms of acute illness are strongly discouraged from boarding. During the cruise, frequent use of hand sanitizers is crucial to prevent infection spread. If symptoms do develop, passengers are requested to promptly contact the ship's medical center for assessment and further action.

The itinerary for the affected Queen Mary 2 cruise from March 8 to April 6, 2025, was as follows: Southampton – 6 sea days – New York City – 3 sea days – Philipsburg (St. Maarten) – Castries (St. Lucia) – St. George's (Grenada) – Bridgetown (Barbados) – Roseau (Dominica) – Basseterre (St. Kitts) – Road Town (Tortola) – 3 sea days – New York City – 7 sea days – Southampton.