Investigation Update on the Regal Princess

Investigation Update - September 21, 2004

Princess Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the ship, Regal Princess, for the voyage completed on September 21, 2004, in Montreal (sailing dates: September 11-21, 2004).

On September 17, Princess Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an unusual number of Regal Princess passengers were experiencing GI illness. On September 21, the ship’s medical staff reported that 47 of 1537 (3.06%) passengers and 7 of 680 (1.03%) crew members were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and nausea.

The vessel underwent extensive cleaning and disinfection. Princess Cruise Line provided VSP with special daily reports regarding any new cases of GI illness. Medical staff provided daily updates to VSP throughout the following voyage; no significant levels of GI illnesses were reported. Stool specimens were obtained and the causative agent is unknown.