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Norovirus Outbreak Sickens Over 240 on Queen Mary 2 During Transatlantic Cruise

Enhanced cleaning and isolation measures are ongoing as the ship nears the end of its voyage on April 6 under CDC oversight.

File photo of the Queen Mary 2 sailing near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor to meet the QE2 October 16, 2008 in New York.
The norovirus-stricken Queen Mary 2 is currently finishing up a transatlantic crossing. Pictured here, the ship docked at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal back in December 2021.
The Cunard line logo on the fleet flagship Queen Mary 2 as she lies off North Queensferry, near the Forth Bridge, on September 1, 2024 in North Queensferry, Scotland.
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Overview

  • The norovirus outbreak has affected 224 passengers and 17 crew members, surpassing the CDC's reporting threshold of 3% illness rates on cruise ships.
  • The Queen Mary 2, which departed Southampton on March 8, is currently at sea and scheduled to conclude its voyage on April 6.
  • Cunard Line has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, isolated affected individuals, and consulted with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program to contain the outbreak.
  • Norovirus, a highly contagious virus causing vomiting and diarrhea, spreads rapidly in enclosed environments like cruise ships.
  • This outbreak is one of 12 gastrointestinal illness incidents reported on cruise ships in 2025, with 10 linked to norovirus, reflecting a rising trend in such cases.