Investigation Update on the Explorer of the Seas

Investigation Update - April 30, 2006

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness on the cruise ship, Explorer of the Seas, for the 7 day voyage completed on April 30, 2006, (sailing dates: 4/23/2006-4/30/2006) in Miami, FL.

On April 28th, 2006, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line contacted CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) staff to report that an elevated number of Explorer of the Seas passengers and crew were experiencing symptoms that were consistent with acute gastroenteritis.

On April 30th, the ship’s medical staff reported that 15 of 1188 (1.26%) crew were and 117 of 3292 (3.6%) passengers were ill. The predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

The ship's staff increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, continued to monitor reports of illness, and provide daily updates to CDC until the number of ill people returned to expected levels (the voyage ending on 5/7/06. Stool specimens were collected and results were positive for norovirus.