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.

It seems illnesses on cruise ships hit a 12-year high in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recently released CDC data reveals that most

(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.

The CDC randomly inspects cruise ships to prevent the spread of stomach viruses. Two ships received failing scores but passed in later reviews.

Cruises are gross. With so many people in a confined space, vacation-goers play a game of illness roulette anytime they step on a cruise ship. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 16 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks aboard vessels in 2024,

In December alone, the CDC reported five separate outbreaks on four different ships -- sickening more than 800 people. All of the outbreaks were caused by the highly contagious norovirus.

The CDC randomly inspects cruise ships to prevent the spread of stomach viruses. Of the 128 it's reviewed this year, 27 have received a perfect score.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says reported illnesses on cruise ships have hit a 12-year high.