Mystery illness sickens over 140 on Royal Caribbean cruise
- On July 4, 2025, a cruise trip from Los Angeles to Mexico began aboard the Navigator of the Seas.
- During the journey, more than 140 passengers and crew members reported illnesses including vomiting and diarrhea.
- The CDC is investigating the incident while Royal Caribbean implements enhanced sanitation measures.
In early July 2025, a luxury cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas took place as it sailed from Los Angeles to several destinations in Mexico. During the week-long trip, which began on July 4 and concluded on July 11, an illness struck a significant number of individuals on board. A total of 134 passengers among 3,914 and seven crew members out of 1,266 onboard reported symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The outbreak was officially documented on the last day of the cruise, shortly after the ship returned to Los Angeles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) promptly began investigating the outbreak, implementing enhanced sanitation protocols onboard the ship. Prior to the return to port, the ship's crew had already initiated cleaning and disinfection procedures as per their outbreak prevention and response plan. Sick individuals were isolated to contain the spread, and stool specimens were collected for testing to determine the cause of the illness. Although gastrointestinal illnesses are commonly linked to norovirus in similar outbreaks, the exact cause in this case has yet to be confirmed. This incident marks one of 18 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks reported on cruise ships under the CDC's authority in 2025, matching the total recorded in 2024. Notably, outbreaks involving norovirus have been relatively frequent on cruise vessels, with statistics indicating cruise ships account for only 1% of total reported gastrointestinal illness cases. Royal Caribbean addressed the incident with emphasis on safety protocols and the importance of sanitation, citing their commitment to health and safety aboard their ships. The specific outbreak further illuminates the ongoing challenges cruise lines face regarding health issues at sea, as widespread illness can significantly impact passenger experience and industry reputation. Previous incidents have raised concerns, where large groups of passengers have suffered from similar illnesses, indicating a troubling pattern for the cruise industry. Overall, while Royal Caribbean has robust procedures in place, the investigation by the CDC continues as they seek clarity on the causative agent behind this recent illness.