A recent outbreak of an unidentified illness has affected over 140 individuals aboard a Royal Caribbean International cruise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Wednesday that this cruise ship, which sailed from July 4 to July 11, experienced the illness outbreak on its final day.
Out of the 3,914 passengers on board, 134 reported feeling ill, which is about 3.4%. Among the crew, 7 out of 1,266, or around 0.6%, also reported sickness.
Symptoms included diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps; however, the specific cause of the disease remains unknown.
The cruise, which was a round trip from Los Angeles to Mexico, had its cases classified by the CDC as gastrointestinal illnesses.
According to reports, this incident is one of 18 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships this year, meeting the CDC’s criteria for public notice, primarily related to norovirus. In 2024, the same number of outbreaks was recorded, while 14 occurred in 2023.
Back in 2014, another cruise ship faced a similar situation in San Pedro, California, where over 170 passengers fell ill due to norovirus.
This latest outbreak brings to mind previous health incidents on cruises, such as one reported in February 2020.
While many cruise ship travelers have experienced illnesses in the past, the focus is sharper now because these trips can cost thousands and are often marketed as once-in-a-lifetime vacations.
Last year alone, the CDC tracked eight outbreaks of highly contagious norovirus, causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea on cruise ships. Other illnesses, including measles and E. coli, have also been noted during cruises in recent years.
In a statement, Royal Caribbean Group remarked, “The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority. We apply rigorous cleaning protocols to ensure the highest standards of health and safety on board.”
