21 Sick After Gastrointestinal Outbreak on Regent Seven Seas Cruise Departing Miami

A gastrointestinal (GI) illness outbreak aboard a Regent Seven Seas cruise ship that departed from Miami has left 21 people sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Health officials reported that six crew members were among those affected. The cruise line has since implemented enhanced sanitation protocols and isolated symptomatic individuals in an effort to contain the outbreak.

The CDC noted that this incident marks the first GI outbreak of the year to meet the agency’s public reporting threshold. The investigation remains ongoing as health officials continue monitoring conditions aboard the vessel.

Cruise ships are particularly vulnerable to the rapid spread of gastrointestinal illnesses due to shared dining spaces, close quarters, and high passenger turnover. Symptoms commonly associated with cruise-related GI outbreaks include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramping
• Fever

Viruses such as norovirus are often linked to these outbreaks and can spread quickly through contaminated surfaces, food handling, or person-to-person contact.

Cruise Line Responsibilities Under Maritime Law

Cruise lines operating out of Florida ports have a legal duty under maritime law to exercise reasonable care in maintaining sanitary conditions and protecting passengers and crew from preventable illness.

When an outbreak occurs, investigators often examine whether the cruise operator:

• Followed food safety and sanitation standards
• Implemented adequate cleaning and disinfection protocols
• Properly trained staff in hygiene practices
• Responded quickly to isolate symptomatic individuals
• Complied with CDC Vessel Sanitation Program guidelines

If evidence shows that negligence contributed to the outbreak, affected passengers may have grounds to pursue a civil claim.

Legal Options for Passengers Who Become Ill

Passengers who suffer significant illness during a cruise may be entitled to compensation if the cruise line failed to exercise reasonable care. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:

• Medical expenses related to treatment
• Lost vacation value or travel costs
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering

Cruise ticket contracts often contain strict notice requirements and filing deadlines, making it important to evaluate legal options promptly.

While the CDC focuses on public health containment and reporting, civil liability is a separate matter. An independent legal investigation may review:

• Sanitation and food handling records
• Prior outbreak history
• Staff training and compliance procedures
• Passenger and crew illness logs
• Cleaning and disinfection timelines

This evidence can be critical in determining whether a cruise operator met its legal obligations.

Representation for Cruise Injury and Illness Claims

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent passengers and crew members who suffer injury or illness aboard cruise ships departing from Florida ports.

Cruise cases involve complex maritime law and contractual limitations. Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys—not case managers—and we are prepared to pursue accountability when preventable harm occurs at sea.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Reviewing cruise contract notice requirements
• Preserving evidence and medical documentation
• Pursuing compensation under maritime law

There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

📞 If you became seriously ill during a cruise departing from Miami or elsewhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.