Outbreak of Gastrointestinal Illness on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
A recent outbreak of a mysterious gastrointestinal illness has affected over 140 people aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Navigator of the Seas. The incident occurred during a round-trip voyage from the United States to Mexico, leaving many guests and crew members unwell.
According to reports, 134 out of 3,914 guests fell ill, along with 11 crew members. Symptoms included vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. The ship embarked from Los Angeles on July 4 and made a stop in Puerto Vallarta on July 8 before returning to LA three days later. While the exact cause of the illness remains unknown, health officials have noted that norovirus is a common culprit in such cases.
Norovirus is highly contagious, with symptoms typically appearing within 12 to 28 hours after exposure. Most individuals recover within one to three days, but they can still spread the virus for up to 48 hours after their symptoms subside. This makes it crucial for affected individuals to take precautions to avoid further transmission.
Royal Caribbean has emphasized its commitment to the health and safety of both passengers and crew. A spokesperson stated that those who reported symptoms were isolated, and the ship underwent thorough cleaning procedures. The company highlighted that its cleaning protocols exceed public health guidelines, ensuring a safe environment for all onboard.
The Navigator of the Seas, which had 5,180 people on board, features a range of amenities, including 17 bars, 12 dining options, a rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink, three pools, a surf simulator, six whirlpools, and a riptide waterslide. These facilities contribute to the overall experience of the cruise, although the recent illness outbreak has raised concerns among some travelers.
This incident is not the first time norovirus has caused issues on cruise ships. In October 2024, 77-year-old Alan Forster from Britain died after contracting the virus on P&O’s Arcadia cruise ship. He was among nearly 100 passengers who fell ill during a month-long trip across the Atlantic Ocean to the US and Canada and back. Mr. Forster was confined to his cabin with symptoms of diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting before his kidneys began to fail. He was hospitalized upon the ship’s arrival in St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, but ultimately passed away.
In 2025, there have been 18 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships that met the CDC’s threshold for public notification. Most of these cases have been attributed to norovirus. Royal Caribbean has been contacted for further comment regarding the recent incident on the Navigator of the Seas.
As the cruise industry continues to operate, maintaining high standards of hygiene and health protocols remains essential. Passengers and crew alike must be vigilant to prevent the spread of illnesses, especially on large vessels where close contact is inevitable. The ongoing efforts by companies like Royal Caribbean to enhance cleanliness and safety measures are critical in ensuring a positive experience for all onboard.
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