A gastrointestinal illness spread rapidly during a Royal Caribbean International voyage, affecting more than 140 passengers and crew following a trip from Los Angeles to Mexico.
Outbreak Overview: What Happened
Between July 4 and July 11, 2025, a Royal Caribbean cruise carrying roughly 3,914 passengers and 1,266 crew members sailed from Los Angeles to Mexico. During the round-trip, at least 134 passengers and 7 crew members began experiencing symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The cruise concluded on July 11—the same day these illnesses were officially reported.
Symptoms and Scope
Those affected fell ill with classic signs of acute gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. While the exact cause of the outbreak remains unknown, it’s currently considered a gastrointestinal illness. No specific organism—such as norovirus, salmonella, or E. coli—has yet been identified.
CDC and Crew Interventions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its Vessel Sanitation Program, was notified of the cases. Alongside ship’s medical staff, they implemented several critical measures:
- Isolation: All symptomatic passengers and crew were confined to their cabins.
- Thorough cleaning: Intensive disinfection protocols were launched throughout the vessel.
- Specimen collection: Stool samples were collected from affected individuals for laboratory testing.
- Health coordination: The cruise staff collaborated closely with CDC experts.
Royal Caribbean’s Response
Royal Caribbean Group affirmed that passenger and crew health is their top priority. A spokesperson emphasized that the company exceeds standard public health guidelines through enhanced cleaning procedures. They also noted that these intensified protocols are part of ongoing outbreak prevention and response plans. This isn’t the first time Royal Caribbean has dealt with a similar outbreak. In February 2025, a gastrointestinal illness affected more than 90 people aboard another ship, prompting similar sanitation and isolation responses.
Broader Context: Cruise Ship Illness Patterns
Cruise vessels frequently encounter gastrointestinal outbreaks due to close living quarters and shared dining areas. Recent comparable events include:
- A February 2025 incident aboard the Radiance of the Seas, where a norovirus-like outbreak sickened over 90 people
- An October 2024 salmonella outbreak on the same ship that affected more than 180 individuals
- These closures highlight how even large, modern cruise lines like Royal Caribbean must remain vigilant in maintaining public health standards.
Next Steps and Monitoring
Results from the collected stool specimens are pending. Once identified, the causative agent will inform potential adjustments to onboard protocols and future preventive measures. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program continues to monitor the situation remotely and may conduct a follow-up review to ensure the ship complies with sanitation and outbreak response guidelines.
What Passengers Should Know
When sailing on any cruise, passengers can take steps to protect their health:
- Practice frequent hand hygiene, especially before eating.
- Report symptoms immediately to onboard medical personnel.
- Follow isolation protocols if advised.
- Stay informed about sanitation procedures from the cruise line.
Final Thoughts
While gastrointestinal illness outbreaks are relatively common on cruise ships, the combined response from CDC and Royal Caribbean suggests proactive containment efforts. As test results come back and follow-up reviews occur, passengers and crew can hope for clarity regarding the outbreak’s cause and future preventive strategies.
