The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard the Viking Polaris ship during the voyage from April 11th to April 23rd, 2025.
Out of 355 passengers, 28 reported symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis, including vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, 4 crew members out of 260 were affected. The causative agent of the outbreak has not yet been identified, and stool specimens are being collected for testing.
In response to the outbreak, Viking Expeditions implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, isolated affected individuals, and consulted with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) regarding sanitation procedures and illness reporting. The VSP is remotely monitoring the situation, including reviewing the ship's outbreak response and sanitation measures.
This incident marks the thirteenth gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship meeting the CDC's threshold for public notification in 2025. Of the previous 12 outbreaks, ten were confirmed as norovirus, one as E. coli, and one as ciguatera.
The Viking Polaris is scheduled to arrive in NYC (New York USA) on April 23rd, concluding the 12-day voyage through Canada.
For more Viking Polaris incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.