Two passengers were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after cruising on the Norwegian Encore in December 2025, according to Cruise Hive. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has not disclosed if the passengers were on the same sailing or which sailing(s) it included.
Legionnaires’ Disease is a serious, potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria grow in warm, stagnant water and are then spread to passengers through inhaled water mist.
In November 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified hot tubs as the source of twelve Legionnaires’ disease cases on cruise ships from 2022-2024. Their research determined that poorly cleaned private hot tubs were at high risk of Legionella bacteria growth.
NCL confirmed the incident in a statement, writing it “is working with the CDC to investigate two cases of Legionnaires’ disease in two passengers who traveled aboard the Norwegian Encore in December 2025.”
The statement also tells current and former passengers on the Norwegian Encore to “seek medical attention right away” if they develop symptoms such as cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, or shortness of breath within fourteen days of their cruise.
The CDC is actively investigating and conducting tests on the ship’s hot tubs, showers, and faucets.
The Norwegian Encore‘s itinerary has not been interrupted and the ship is currently in the Caribbean on a seven-night voyage originating from Miami.
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