Getting Sick On a Cruise Ship, Can You Sue?
When most people think of cruise ship accidents, images of slip-and-falls on pool decks and gangways, excursion accidents, and falls down stairs often come to mind. But a new Open Research Europe study highlights a very different risk that’s harder to see but just as concerning: microbial contamination on cruise ships.
One of the known outbreaks that we see on cruise ships is Norovirus or Legionnaires disease. My firm has written articles on the viability of such lawsuits when there is a known outbreak or CDC investigation tying infections to a ship. All infection cases are very difficult to prove because communicable diseases such as bacterial and viral germs are everywhere, including on your own skin. Even when you have a medical malpractice case that is land-based and you’re suing a hospital or a doctor for an infection after a procedure, you are not really suing because of the infection. You were suing because the doctor or hospital fell to diagnose it in a timely manner, which is a deviation from the standard of care. It’s not about proving the infection was caused by the doctor or hospital. This is because just like on a cruise ship, in a hospital germs are everywhere. Therefore, to blame the cruise line for a severe infection is quite difficult to prove up. But anecdotally my cruise ship injury law firm gets all kinds of calls from injured cruise passengers who have severe infections and illnesses, after going on a cruise from E. coli to pneumonia to more rare types of bacteria. These illnesses can cause prolonged and serious hospitalizations with removal of partial organs and amputations.
Researchers examined bacteria and other microorganisms found on cruise ship surfaces and even on the hands of crew members. Their findings shed light on how germs spread in these floating cities—and raise serious questions about cruise lines’ responsibility to protect passengers.
The Hidden Risks on Cruise Ships
Cruise ships are high-density environments where thousands of people share cabins, buffets, gyms, pools, and entertainment spaces. According to the study:
Microbes were found on high-touch surfaces such as door handles, railings, and communal areas.
Crew members’ hands often carried microbes that matched what was found on ship surfaces.
This suggests a direct transfer of microorganisms between staff and passengers, creating a pathway for potential outbreaks.
While not all microbes are harmful, history has shown that ships can quickly become breeding grounds for norovirus, E. coli, and respiratory illnesses when sanitation falls short.
Cruise Ship Illness & Microbiome Risks: Can You Sue for Getting Sick at Sea?
How This Ties Into Negligence and Liability
Cruise lines have a legal duty of care to provide passengers with a reasonably safe environment. That includes preventing the spread of disease through proper hygiene, training, and sanitation practices.
If a passenger becomes ill because of unsanitary conditions, inadequate cleaning, or poor crew hygiene, the cruise line may be found negligent. Common legal claims can arise when:
Cleaning protocols were not properly followed.
Crew hygiene was insufficient or unsupervised.
Passengers were not warned about known health risks.
An outbreak was mishandled, leading to wider illness.
At Perkins Law Offices, we’ve seen how cruise companies often try to minimize responsibility when passengers fall ill onboard. But studies like this one provide important evidence that germs are not random accidents—they can result from preventable corporate failures.
What Passengers Should Do if They Get Sick on a Cruise
If you experience a serious illness during or after a cruise, here are key steps to protect your rights:
Seek medical attention immediately – Both onboard and once you return home.
Document conditions – Take photos of unsanitary areas, record your symptoms, and collect witness statements if possible.
Report the incident – Notify the cruise line in writing, but do not sign anything without legal review.
Consult a cruise ship injury attorney – Maritime law is complex and heavily favors cruise companies unless you act quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Ship Illness and Liability
What happens if you get sick on a cruise?
If you become sick during a cruise, the ship’s medical team will typically provide treatment. However, onboard medical staff are employed by the cruise line, and their care may be limited. If your illness is caused by unsanitary conditions or crew negligence, you may also have the right to pursue a legal claim.
Can you sue a cruise line if you get sick?
Yes, passengers may sue a cruise line if their illness was the result of unsafe conditions, inadequate cleaning, or mishandling of an outbreak. Cruise companies are required under maritime law to maintain reasonably safe environments for guests.
What illnesses are most common on cruise ships?
The most well-known outbreak on cruise ships is norovirus, often linked to contaminated food or surfaces. Other reported illnesses include gastrointestinal infections, respiratory illnesses, legionnaires and skin infections—all of which can spread quickly in enclosed, high-traffic environments.Call a cruise ship injury, lawyer immediately if you’ve been diagnosed with a known outbreak infection.
How do I prove negligence if I got sick on a cruise?
Evidence is key. Outbreaks and CDC investigations are the strongest evidence. Photos of unsanitary conditions, medical records, witness accounts, and proof of others being ill on the same voyage can all strengthen your case. Studies like the recent cruise ship microbiome research can support how germs spread in these environments. But that is not necessarily admissible or something that you can rely on itself to prove the specific infection came from the specific cruise, causing the specific injury. This is called causation. It is usually the hardest thing to prove in personal injury cases.
Is there a time limit to file a cruise ship illness claim?
Yes. Most cruise lines require passengers to file claims within a very short period. If the cruise involves a a US port, there is a six month written notice required and the lawsuit must be filed within one year of the incident. Acting quickly is critical to protecting your rights.
Do I need a lawyer for a cruise ship illness claim?
Absolutely. Maritime law is complex and heavily favors cruise corporations. Having an experienced cruise ship injury attorney ensures your case is properly filed, investigated, and pursued for the maximum compensation possible.
Final Thoughts
The recent microbiome study is a reminder that cruise ship safety isn’t just about preventing visible accidents—it’s also about protecting passengers from invisible health threats. If a cruise line fails to uphold sanitation standards and you suffer as a result, you may have grounds for a personal injury or illness claim under maritime law.
At Perkins Law Offices, we fight for passengers harmed by negligence at sea. If you or a loved one fell ill during a cruise, our team is here to review your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (305) 741-5297 for a free consultation.
