Norovirus Outbreak Confirmed on Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer During Transpacific Cruise

In May 2025, the CDC reported an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness aboard the Regent Seven Seas Cruises vessel, the Seven Seas Explorer. The incident occurred during an 18-night cruise from Tokyo to Vancouver, departing on April 26th. Out of 666 passengers, 22 showed symptoms indicative of acute gastroenteritis, including diarrhea and vomiting, alongside two affected crew members. The specific causative agent was not identified.

In response, Regent took immediate action, working closely with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Measures implemented included isolating those affected, collecting stool samples for analysis, and enhancing sanitation efforts across the ship. After the voyage concluded, Seven Seas Explorer underwent an extensive deep cleaning before continuing its itinerary to Alaska, recognizing that pathogens like norovirus can linger on surfaces for long periods if not properly disinfected.

This incident marked the 17th gastrointestinal outbreak reported on cruise ships under the CDC’s watch in 2025, nearing the total number from the entire previous year. Similarly, the Virgin Voyages ship Resilient Lady experienced a GI outbreak on a cruise from Greece to Croatia and Montenegro, concluding on May 11. Approximately 3% of passengers exhibited stomach flu symptoms, prompting the company to delay disembarkation for enhanced sanitization and to isolate affected individuals.

These outbreaks highlight the necessity for rigorous hygiene practices and the timely reporting of symptoms to onboard medical personnel to effectively control the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships.

For additional details about the Seven Seas Explorer and related incidents, you can visit its CruiseMinus page.

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