Norovirus Outbreak Affects 141 Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas – 11 July 2025

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas experienced a gastrointestinal illness outbreak during a 7-night roundtrip cruise from Los Angeles, departing 4 July 2025 and returning 11 July 2025. A total of 134 passengers and 7 crew members reported symptoms consistent with norovirus infection, prompting immediate response protocols and involvement of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Royal Caribbean implemented enhanced sanitation measures and quarantined affected individuals to prevent further spread. Stool samples from those affected are undergoing laboratory testing to confirm the causative pathogen, with norovirus suspected as the likely source.

Case numbers

• 134 passengers affected (approximately 3.4% of 3,914 onboard)
• 7 crew members affected (approximately 0.6% of crew complement)

Symptoms

• Diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps—consistent with norovirus infection

Passengers

• 3,914 onboard; 134 reported gastrointestinal symptoms.

Crew

• 7 crew members reported symptoms.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 141 individuals (134 passengers and 7 crew) reported gastrointestinal illness; no serious complications reported.

Rescued

• Not applicable; vessel completed scheduled itinerary.

Royal Caribbean implemented enhanced sanitation protocols across all public areas and quarantined ill passengers and crew in their cabins to prevent further transmission. The operator coordinated with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) and submitted required illness and containment reports. Stool samples collected from affected individuals are undergoing laboratory testing to confirm the causative pathogen.

Passengers returning home were advised to monitor for ongoing symptoms and maintain strict hand hygiene practices—particularly frequent handwashing with soap and water—to avoid post-voyage transmission to family and community members. Health authorities note that alcohol-based sanitizers have limited effectiveness against norovirus, making soap-and-water handwashing the most reliable prevention method. This outbreak marks the 18th gastrointestinal illness incident reported to the CDC in 2025, already equaling the full-year total from 2024.

• CDC Vessel Sanitation Program: For health-related inquiries regarding cruise ship outbreaks
• Royal Caribbean International: For passenger support and post-voyage health guidance