Karmactive Staff
You’re packed for that dream cruise vacation—but what about your health plan? A recent outbreak offers real-world lessons for staying well at sea.
Last week, 134 passengers (3.4%) and 7 crew members (0.6%) aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas reported illness during their July 4-11 voyage from Los Angeles. Symptoms included diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps—classic signs of acute gastroenteritis (AGE).
This marks the 18th gastrointestinal outbreak recorded by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program in 2025—already matching 2024’s entire total with months still to go.
While lab testing is still underway, norovirus is frequently the culprit.
“Norovirus has a very low infectious dose, meaning it takes very few viral particles to make you sick,” Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt explained. “It’s also very hardy in the environment, which is why thorough handwashing with soap and water is so important—alcohol sanitizers aren’t as effective against this particular virus.”
When the outbreak was detected, Royal Caribbean increased cleaning protocols, isolated sick individuals, collected samples for testing, and consulted with CDC specialists.
The CDC publicly reports cruise illnesses when at least 3% of passengers or crew develop AGE symptoms (defined as three or more loose stools in 24 hours or vomiting plus another symptom).
CDC data shows larger ships and longer voyages (especially those over 7 days) experience more outbreaks. While norovirus typically peaks in winter, the close quarters of cruise ships make summer voyages equally susceptible.
Health experts recommend:
- Skip boarding if you’ve felt unwell within 48 hours of departure
- Wash hands with soap and water before meals and after restrooms
- Report symptoms early to ship medical staff
- Monitor your health for up to 72 hours after disembarking
The reality is that while outbreaks make headlines, they affect a small percentage of the millions who cruise annually. With proper precautions, your odds of staying healthy remain good—though packing basic over-the-counter remedies is always smart sailing.
