If you are preparing for a vacation, we have a warning from the CDC about a very specific vacation perk. 

©Disney

You might not expect this vacation perk to make you sick, so we are sharing all the details with you so you can make the best decisions to keep yourself safe!

There have been outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease on TWO cruise ships between November 2022 and June 2024. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. As a result, the CDC is issuing a warning about taking advantage of this vacation perk. Now before we get too far into the warning, the outbreak of Legionnaires disease included eight patients on the first cruise ship and four patients on the second cruise shop. Eight of the patients were hospitalized, but none of the patients died. 

Disney Cruise Ship docked at Lookout Cay

The CDC defines a cruise-associated outbreak as “the occurrence of two cases in patients who had traveled on the same ship with voyages within 1 year of each other.” Hot tubs are a known source of the Legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, and they were also the culprit in these outbreaks. However, before we go and cancel ALL hot tub use, it was only a VERY specific hot tub that caused these cases of Legionnaires’ disease. 

Hot Tub at Treehouse Villas

According to the CDC, in all of the instances that a passenger ended up getting Legionnaires disease, it was likely due to the use of a private hot tub on their balcony. The CDC noted that “private hot tubs are not required to have automated continuous disinfectant dosing and monitoring or pH monitoring, as is standard for public hot tubs.” The CDC only required that private hot tubs be “shock-chlorinated, drained, and refilled weekly or between occupancies, whichever is sooner.” In both cases the cruise line was following the CDC requirements, but the measures were not sufficient to prevent Legionella growth.

Hot tub at Wilderness Lodge

In fact, it was found that the way private hot tubs are operated is conducive to the growth of the bacteria. The private hot tubs maintained a water temperature in the Legionella growth range for multiple days without draining, and they were operating with no residual disinfectant. Additionally, it has been found that private hot tubs that are located only a floor above or below common areas could disseminate aerosols that could result in exposure, even in someone who has not used the hot tub.

Hot Tub

The good news is that as a result of the CDC findings, both cruise lines have changed their operating procedures for private hot tubs. Heating elements were removed, tubs were only filled upon guest request, the tubs were drained between uses, and they were cleaned and disinfected more frequently. Both cruise ships that had outbreaks continue to sample their water to ensure the Legionella bacteria is not present. The CDC has also been notifying cruise operators and industry partners of this risk of Legionella growth in private hot tubs.

Beau Soleil Hot Tub at the Riviera Resort

While the report from the CDC only specifies what the two cruise lines that had outbreaks did as a result, we are glad to know that the CDC has been sharing this information with industry partners to ensure they monitor their operating procedures for private hot tubs. You may want to be a bit wearier of using private hot tubs on your vacations and confirm with the owner how the hot tub is taken care of. However, know that the requirements for public hot tubs are much more stringent, so taking a warm dip at your hotel’s hot tub is likely a safe option.

Saratoga Springs Hot Tub

Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your travel news!

Federal travel warnings announced for 2 Disney Cruise destinations — find out more here!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

---

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

What do you think about this CDC warning? Let us know in the comments!