Gastrointestinal Illness Strikes Over 140 Passengers on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas

Over 140 individuals, including 134 passengers and 7 crew members, were affected by a gastrointestinal illness aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Navigator of the Seas. The ship set sail from Los Angeles, California, on July 4, 2025, for a seven-night voyage, which returned on July 11.

According to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, about 3.4% of the guests, as well as 0.6% of the crew, reported symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The exact cause of the outbreak remains under investigation, with stool samples collected onboard now being analyzed. Norovirus is suspected as the likely cause, given its prevalence in similar situations.

This incident represents the 18th gastrointestinal outbreak registered by the CDC in 2025, equating to the total number reported for the entire previous year.

In response, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) implemented enhanced sanitation protocols, isolated those affected, and collaborated with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. The cruise line reassured that its cleaning measures exceed public health standards.

Health experts advise that such illnesses, most commonly associated with norovirus, generally resolve within one to three days. They emphasize the necessity of thorough handwashing since alcohol-based sanitizers are often ineffective against the virus.

Despite implementing stringent hygiene practices and routine inspections, the risk of gastrointestinal outbreaks continues to be a concern on cruise ships, although they represent a small fraction of the overall cases within communities.

Passengers returning from the voyage were urged to monitor any lingering symptoms and uphold high levels of personal hygiene to prevent further transmission. For additional information on incidents involving Navigator of the Seas, details can be found on the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

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