Norovirus Outbreak on AIDAdiva Cruise Ship Infects Nearly 100 Passengers and Crew
HAMBURG, Germany — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a norovirus outbreak aboard the AIDAdiva cruise ship that sickened 95 passengers and six crew members during a nearly month-long voyage from Germany to multiple international destinations. The outbreak, reported on November 30, marks the 21st cruise ship norovirus incident documented by the CDC this year, highlighting the persistent challenge the virus poses to the cruise industry and travelers alike.
The AIDAdiva departed Hamburg on November 10, 2025, embarking on a route that included stops in England, the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica. According to data from the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, nearly 100 individuals aboard the ship developed symptoms consistent with norovirus infection, including diarrhea and vomiting. The ship carried over 2,000 passengers and approximately 640 crew members, making the outbreak a significant public health concern.
In response, Aida Cruises intensified cleaning and disinfection protocols throughout the vessel, isolating affected passengers and crew to curb further transmission. Stool samples were collected for laboratory confirmation, and the cruise line worked closely with CDC officials to ensure adherence to recommended sanitation and reporting procedures. An AIDA spokesperson emphasized that the outbreak coincided with the seasonal peak of norovirus infections, which typically occur between November and April, stating, “We’ve added more hygiene protocols onboard, and cases are already going down.”
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus known for rapid spread in crowded environments such as cruise ships, where shared surfaces and close quarters facilitate transmission. Scott Weisenberg, M.D., medical director of the NYU Langone Infectious Disease Associates and the NYU Travel Medicine Program, explained that the virus can spread not only through direct contact but also via airborne particles generated by vomiting. He advised that individuals experiencing acute symptoms should avoid public areas to prevent infecting others. Dr. Weisenberg also underscored the importance of handwashing with soap and water as the most effective preventive measure, noting that alcohol-based sanitizers provide less protection against norovirus.
The CDC’s ongoing surveillance of norovirus outbreaks aboard cruise ships serves as a critical tool for public health monitoring. This latest outbreak aboard the AIDAdiva adds to a growing list of incidents reported in 2025, reflecting the challenges of controlling viral spread in the cruise industry. Travelers planning voyages during the norovirus season are encouraged to stay informed about hygiene practices and to report symptoms promptly.
For more information on norovirus prevention and outbreak updates, visit the CDC Norovirus page and the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program. Additional guidance on travel health precautions is available through the CDC Travelers’ Health portal.
As the cruise industry continues to navigate the complexities of infectious disease control, this outbreak underscores the need for vigilance and robust sanitation measures to protect passengers and crew from highly transmissible pathogens such as norovirus.
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