More than 140 passengers and crew members aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas cruise ship fell ill due to a gastrointestinal disease outbreak during a week-long voyage that departed from Los Angeles on July 4 and returned on July 11.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program, a total of 134 passengers out of 3,914 and 7 crew members out of 1,266 reported symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps during the round-trip cruise to Mexico, which made three stops before returning to port.
The exact cause of the outbreak has not been determined. Investigators have collected stool samples from affected individuals for laboratory testing as part of ongoing efforts to identify the source. The CDC noted that norovirus is often the primary cause in such cases, but the identification process can be lengthy.
In response to the outbreak, Royal Caribbean implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, isolated sick passengers and crew, and collaborated remotely with CDC officials to monitor the situation and contain the illness.
This incident marks the 18th gastrointestinal illness outbreak on cruise ships meeting the CDC’s public notification threshold so far in 2025, matching all outbreaks that occurred in 2024 and surpassing the 14 reported in 2023. The CDC has noted a rise in cruise ship outbreaks this year but remains uncertain whether this is part of a new trend.
Passengers returning from the cruise have been advised to monitor their health and practice stringent hygiene measures to prevent further spread.
Key Points:
- Over 140 people sickened on the Navigator of the Seas cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico.
- Symptoms included diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
- Cause of the outbreak remains unknown as investigations continue.
- Royal Caribbean enhanced cleaning, isolated ill individuals, and worked with the CDC.
- 2025 has seen a spike in cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks compared to previous years.
- Passengers advised to maintain hygiene and report symptoms promptly.
The outbreak adds to ongoing concerns about gastrointestinal illnesses on cruises worldwide and highlights the importance of vigilance, timely hygiene interventions, and close cooperation between cruise lines and health authorities.
