A virus known as the stomach bug that has surged across parts of the country is the cause of nearly all diarrhea outbreaks reported on cruise ships that docked at U.S. ports in 2024, federal data shows.

Cruise ships saw the highest number of stomach bug illnesses since 2012 with 16 outbreaks impacting a total of 1,894 passengers.

Alan Forster, a retired teacher, enjoyed many cruises with his wife before he contracted norovirus aboard the P&O Arcadia ship and tragically succumbed to the illness

(CNN) - Illnesses on cruise ships have hit a 12-year high. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show there were outbreaks on 16 different cruise ships in 2024. The majority of the illnesses were norovirus cases. More than 2,000 passengers and crew were impacted.