The CDC is investigating a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard Regent Seven Seas Mariner that sickened 27 people during a three-week voyage from Miami to Honolulu.
According to the CDC, the outbreak affected 21 passengers and six crew members during the January 11 through February 1 sailing. The ship was carrying 631 passengers at the time, meaning roughly 3% of guests fell ill during the voyage.
Regent Seven Seas notified the CDC of the illnesses during the sailing. The agency has listed the cause as unknown, with laboratory testing still pending on stool samples collected from affected passengers.
What the Cruise Line Did
The luxury cruise line implemented several containment measures during the voyage. These included ramping up cleaning and disinfection procedures throughout the ship and isolating passengers and crew members who reported symptoms.
Regent followed the CDC’s outbreak response and sanitation protocols, according to the federal agency.
The Mariner had scheduled port calls in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and other destinations during the transpacific repositioning voyage.
Still Under Investigation
Federal health officials say identifying the source of outbreaks can take time. While norovirus is frequently associated with gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships, the virus is not always immediately confirmed through testing.
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program tracks outbreaks when at least three percent of passengers or crew report symptoms and requires cruise lines to report gastrointestinal illnesses within 24 hours.
The CDC continues to emphasize frequent handwashing as a critical step in reducing the risk of gastrointestinal illness aboard ships.
This marks the second reported cruise ship illness outbreak in early 2026.
In January, Holland America Line experienced a confirmed norovirus outbreak that left nearly 90 passengers and crew members ill during a voyage running from late December through early January.
