Norovirus Outbreak: 141 Cases Reported on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas

Over 130 passengers and several crew members experienced a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard the Navigator of the Seas during a week-long cruise that began on July 4 and concluded on July 11. The ship departed from Los Angeles, California.

According to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, 134 out of 3,914 guests (approximately 3.4%) and 7 crew members (0.6%) reported symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The exact cause of the outbreak is still under investigation, with stool samples from those affected currently being analyzed. Norovirus often causes similar outbreaks, although a definitive diagnosis has not yet been established.

This incident marks the 18th gastrointestinal outbreak reported by the CDC in 2025, matching the total for the entire previous year.

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

Health experts have noted that illnesses like norovirus typically resolve within one to three days. They emphasize the necessity of proper handwashing, as alcohol-based sanitizers may not completely eradicate the virus.

Despite stringent hygiene practices and regular inspections, concerns about gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships persist, though they represent only a small fraction of cases in the general community. Passengers returning from the voyage have been advised to remain vigilant about any ongoing symptoms and to enhance their personal hygiene to prevent further transmission.

For additional information regarding incidents on the Navigator of the Seas, visit the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

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