An outbreak on a luxury cruise ship departing from Miami sickened 27 people with a gastrointestinal (GI) illness, the Centers for Disease Control reported. Six of those affected were crew members.
The Regent Seven Seas was on a voyage from Miami to Honolulu, scheduled Jan. 11 to Feb. 1, when the illnesses were reported. The CDC characterizes the incident as a cruise ship outbreak of gastrointestinal illness; the specific cause has not yet been confirmed. Norovirus is a common cause of GI outbreaks on cruise ships, but lab testing would be required to identify the pathogen.
According to the CDC, the cruise line isolated those who became ill and stepped up sanitation measures aboard the ship as part of its response. The agency’s report notes the vessel implemented cleaning and disinfection protocols consistent with outbreak control and prevention guidance for ships. At this time, the CDC report does not specify the total number of passengers and guests aboard.
Illnesses were first reported on Jan. 29, but CDC data do not yet identify a confirmed pathogen. Laboratory testing (for example, for norovirus) would be required to determine the cause; norovirus is a common cause of gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships and typically produces symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
The CDC says this is the first reported cruise ship outbreak of 2026.