Over 130 Passengers Fall Ill on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas

More than 130 passengers on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas cruise ship have reported falling ill from a gastrointestinal disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The outbreak was reported after the weeklong cruise, which departed from Los Angeles on July 4 and returned on July 11. A total of 134 passengers—about 3.4% of the 3,900 people onboard—reported symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Seven crew members were also affected.

The cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified. The CDC says it is investigating the incident as part of its Vessel Sanitation Program.

This year alone, there have already been 18 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships under the VSP’s jurisdiction—matching the total number recorded in all of 2024. Many of those incidents have been linked to norovirus, known for its rapid spread in close quarters like cruise ships, schools, and jails.

Royal Caribbean has reported increasing cleaning and disinfection protocols onboard the Navigator of the Seas. Specimens from infected passengers were collected and those who became sick were isolated.

“The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said.

While health experts like CNN’s Dr. Leana Wen note that most gastrointestinal illnesses clear up within one to two days, she stresses the importance of hand washing. Wen added that alcohol-based sanitizers aren’t effective against norovirus, which is a common culprit in such outbreaks.

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Credit: CNN Newsource