But another statistic in the world of cruising is on the up, and it’s not a good one: the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests 2024 was the worst year for cruise ship-based gastrointestinal outbreaks in over a decade.

Norovirus, aka the stomach flu, is surging across the United States as 2025 begins. Here's what to know about norovirus symptoms, how it spreads, and prevention.

After a busy holiday season spent with friends and family, millions of Americans find themselves starting the New Year spending time with the toilet. The stomach bug is officially in town and this year, it’s an especially bad one.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show cases of norovirus, the highly contagious stomach bug, are surging in parts of the U.S.

Parts of the country, including Florida, have seen a rise in cases this year of norovirus, a contagious virus that often causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. People know it as the stomach flu, stomach bug or the “cruise ship virus” because it’s often the cause of most diarrhea outbreaks on cruise ships.

CDC reported 91 cases of norovirus, more commonly known as the stomach flu, which is over double the highest number recorded between 2021 and 2024. The report comes after a Minnesota Department of Health press release stating Minnesota saw double the average number cases of stomach flu in December.

This year marked the worst in over a decade for stomach bug outbreaks on cruise ships docking in the US, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With one day left,

Symptoms usually develop between 12 to 48 hours after a person is exposed to norovirus. It is also possible for someone to never show symptoms of the virus but still be contagious. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. Less common but still possible are fever, headache and body aches.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has previously signaled that influenza A, COVID and RSV are on the rise across the U.S. Now, the risk of catching norovirus — more commonly known as the stomach flu — is escalating, as well.

If COVID-19 taught us anything it's that washing your hands is often the best thing to do to prevent the spread of infections, including norovirus.

On the week of Dec. 5, the CDC reported 91 cases of the virus ― over double the highest number recorded between 2021 and 2024.

The CDC inspects hundreds of cruise ship yearly. Some cruise lines and cruise parent companies score better than others.