Hot tubs and heated whirlpools aboard Norwegian Prima, a 3,200-passenger Norwegian Cruise Line vessel, are shut down as a precaution following three diagnosed cases of Legionnaires' disease among former passengers. Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, spread when a person inhales small water droplets that carry the bacteria. The three cases involve travelers who sailed in May and July 2026, and where the exposure occurred has not been confirmed.
Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the diagnoses to Fox News Digital this week. A company spokesperson said the source of exposure, whether on board or elsewhere, is still under investigation, and that Norwegian is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the inquiry. The company said it has already notified affected guests and crew directly, following CDC guidance.
All public hot tubs and private balcony heated whirlpools on the ship will stay closed until sampling is complete and any required remediation is finished in line with CDC guidelines, according to cruise blog Cruise Fever, which first reported the closures.
What the disease is and who faces greater risk
Legionella bacteria can grow in warm water environments. The disease it causes carries a greater risk for people over 50, current or former smokers, and those with chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system. Legionnaires' does not pass from person to person.
Norwegian said it elevated its sanitation procedures as part of routine measures. A spokesperson said the company operates at the highest public health and sanitation standards and will take any additional steps needed to protect passengers and crew.
Reaction to the news online ran in different directions. Some people said they avoid cruise ship pools and hot tubs entirely, with one person saying they had sailed on more than 20 cruises without ever using either. One passenger who had booked a trip on Norwegian Prima more than a year ago wrote that they planned to go through with the sailing, though they said they did not feel good about it.