Norovirus Outbreak on Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer During Transpacific Cruise: What You Need to Know

In May 2025, the CDC reported a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard the Regent Seven Seas Cruises vessel, Seven Seas Explorer, which was experiencing a transpacific cruise. The ship, which departed from Tokyo on April 26th, was on an 18-night voyage to Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Out of the 666 passengers on board, 22 exhibited symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, which included diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, two crew members also reported similar symptoms. The specific cause of the outbreak has not been identified.

In response to the situation, Regent Seven Seas Cruises collaborated with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program to implement several preventive measures. This included isolating those affected, collecting stool samples for laboratory testing, and enhancing sanitation procedures throughout the ship.

After the voyage concluded, a thorough deep cleaning of Seven Seas Explorer was conducted to reduce the risk of further spreading the illness, especially since pathogens like norovirus can linger on surfaces if not properly sanitized. This incident marked the 17th gastrointestinal outbreak reported on cruise ships under the jurisdiction of the CDC in 2025, nearing the total outbreaks recorded for the entire previous year.

In a similar incident, the Virgin Voyages ship Resilient Lady faced a gastrointestinal outbreak during its cruise from Greece to Croatia and Montenegro, which ended on May 11. Reports indicated that approximately 3% of passengers showed symptoms related to the stomach flu. To address the issue, the cruise line delayed disembarkation to enhance cleaning protocols and isolate affected passengers.

These events highlight the critical need for strict hygiene practices and the proactive communication of symptoms to onboard medical staff to manage and contain gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships effectively. For more information about incidents involving Seven Seas Explorer, please refer to the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.