Over 140 Royal Caribbean Passengers and Crew Affected by Mysterious Illness: What You Need to Know

Over 140 people on the Royal Caribbean ship, Navigator of the Seas, have fallen ill with an unidentified sickness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this on Wednesday.

The ship, carrying 3,914 passengers, set sail from Los Angeles on July 4 for a week-long cruise with stops in Mexico. It returned on July 11, soon after which the CDC received reports of the illness. Of those affected, 134 passengers and seven crew members reported symptoms that included diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

In response, Royal Caribbean implemented enhanced cleaning measures and isolated those who fell ill. They also sent stool samples for testing and consulted with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program for guidance. The CDC is now working to determine the illness’s cause, which often turns out to be norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus.

This incident is part of a worrying trend. Earlier this year, cruise ships have seen multiple outbreaks. In February, nearly 80 passengers on a Holland America ship and over 80 on a Princess Cruises ship fell ill. A Cunard luxury ship reported the most significant outbreak so far, affecting more than 240 passengers and crew.

According to recent data from the CDC, gastrointestinal illnesses account for about one in five reported outbreaks on cruise ships. These spikes can be alarming for travelers. In a survey, many cruise passengers expressed concerns about potential illnesses when booking their trips.

While cruising can be a fun getaway, being informed about health risks is essential. Experts suggest regular hand washing and being cautious about food and drink choices while sailing.

For more on health regulations in the cruise industry, you can visit the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.

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Oceans, Cruise, Cruise Ship, Royal Caribbean