One cruise line has suspended hot tubs and heated whirlpools on one of its ships as a safety measure after three former passengers came down with Legionnaires’ disease.
Three passengers took voyages aboard Norwegian Prima, a 3,200-passenger ship, in May and July 2026, according to the blog “Cruise Fever”.
The spokesperson’s statement
“We can confirm that three guests who sailed aboard one of our ships recently were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease following their travels,” a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line told Fox News Digital this week.
“While it has not been confirmed if the exposure occurred on the ship or elsewhere, we are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate these cases, as well as mitigate any further incidents, and have notified the appropriate guests and crew directly per the CDC’s guidance,” the spokesperson added.
“We have elevated our sanitation procedures as part of our routine measures to ensure a safe environment on board and will continue to take any necessary measures to protect our guests and crew,” the spokesperson continued.
What Legionnaires’ disease is
The Legionella bacteria cause Legionnaires’ disease, a kind of pneumonia, and they spread when tiny water drops carrying the bacteria get into the air and are breathed in.
It can pose a greater risk to those over 50, current or former smokers, as well as people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems.
Why the hot tubs were closed
According to the “Cruise Fever” report, the cruise line stated that its ship’s hot tubs and heated whirlpools will stay shut as a safety measure until testing wraps up.
“As a precaution, all public hot tubs and private balcony heated whirlpools will remain closed and will reopen only after sampling has been completed and any necessary remediation measures have been carried out in accordance with CDC guidelines,” the blog noted.
What passengers said
Online, people shared mixed reactions.
“Stay out of the hot tub, the bacteria thrives in hot tubs! It’s not transferable from person to person,” one person wrote.
“I have never, nor will I ever, get in a public hot tub,” said another Reddit user. “I’ve been on over 20 cruises and have never gotten in a single pool or hot tub on one. No, thank you!”
“I booked this cruise over a year ago. So I’m pretty much going no matter what,” the original poster wrote. “Can’t say I feel great about it, though.”
The source of exposure
The source of the exposure has not yet been determined.
The cruise line’s full statement
“The health and safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. As such, we operate at the very highest public health and sanitation standards,” the Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson added.
How the investigation is proceeding
In collaboration with the CDC, the cruise line is probing the cases and taking steps to prevent additional incidents. According to the spokesperson, guests and crew were informed directly, following the CDC’s guidance.
Who is at risk
Anyone exposed to the bacteria behind Legionnaires’ disease can become ill, though some groups carry a greater danger than others.
- People over 50
- Current or former smokers
- Individuals with chronic lung disease
- People with weakened immune systems
What passengers should know
Until all testing is finished and any required fixes have been put in place following CDC guidelines, the hot tubs and whirlpools will stay shut down.
The company has stated that it will keep taking whatever steps are needed to safeguard passengers and staff alike.
Source: foxnews.com
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