The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting another norovirus outbreak aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Sea Bird, making it the second norovirus outbreak involving the small expedition ship in approximately one month.
The CDC reported that the outbreak occurred during the National Geographic Sea Bird’s June 25 to June 30, 2026 voyage, ending in Ketchikan, Alaska.
According to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), 19 of 68 passengers reported being ill during the voyage, a sickness rate of 28%. One of 27 crew members also reported being ill. The listed symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, and the causative agent is norovirus.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC on June 28, 2026. In response, the crew aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird reportedly increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, isolated ill passengers and crew, and consulted with VSP regarding sanitation cleaning procedures and reporting of ill cases. These are the exact same actions the crew reportedly took during the earlier norovirus outbreak aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird during its May 26 to May 31, 2026 voyage.
In that outbreak, 9 of 66 passengers and 3 of 24 crew members reported being ill. Following the May outbreak, the CDC reported that, “VSP conducted a field response for an environmental assessment and outbreak investigation to assist the ship in controlling the outbreak on subsequent voyages.” The VSP’s “field response” does not appear to have been successful given the second outbreak. The recurrence of norovirus aboard the same ship in such a short period raises questions regarding the ship’s sanitation practices and whether the virus was fully controlled after the earlier outbreak.
Norovirus is highly contagious and can persist on surfaces for days or weeks, according to the CDC. The shared communal spaces, buffet style meals, and small living quarters on cruise ships make them an ideal environment for norovirus to spread.
The National Geographic Sea Bird is operated by Lindblad Expeditions and sails expedition cruises in Alaska. The ship is set to be retired at the end of the year.
This is the sixth CDC-reported GI outbreak on cruise ships so far in 2026.
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