Key Takeaway:
- Fourth outbreak: Thirteen people fell ill aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird, marking its fourth gastrointestinal illness outbreak in less than two months.
- Operations paused: Lindblad Expeditions canceled three voyages, increased sanitation measures, isolated sick passengers and crew, and issued refunds.
- Investigation ongoing: The CDC is investigating the unknown cause, while noting norovirus remains a common source of cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks.
Thirteen people aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird reported gastrointestinal illness during a July 15 cruise, prompting Lindblad Expeditions to suspend operations, cancel three voyages and expand sanitation measures as the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention investigates the cause of the latest Sea Bird outbreak.
Eight of the 57 guests and five crew members became ill during the voyage, according to the CDC. Reported symptoms included abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. The agency said the cause of the Sea Bird outbreak remains under investigation.
The outbreak marks the fourth gastrointestinal illness incident reported on the National Geographic Sea Bird in less than two months. The vessel experienced three previous outbreaks since late May, with the CDC identifying norovirus as the cause of the first two. The cause of the third Sea Bird outbreak remains unknown.
Lindblad suspends sailings and expands cleaning
In response to the latest Sea Bird outbreak, Lindblad Expeditions increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, isolated ill passengers and crew, and consulted with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program on sanitation practices and illness reporting, a response pattern also seen after a Princess Cruises norovirus outbreak earlier this year.
The company also paused passenger operations and canceled three scheduled voyages set to depart on July 20, July 25, and July 30.
“We canceled these voyages to conduct enhanced sanitation protocols aligned with the highest industry standards and provide additional time to help prevent the risk of further cases,” Lindblad Expeditions said in an emailed statement to USA TODAY.
The company added that it is working directly with affected guests to provide refunds, support and alternative travel arrangements.
The National Geographic Sea Bird is currently en route to Ketchikan, Alaska, according to cruise tracking website CruiseMapper.
CDC continues investigation
The CDC said gastrointestinal illness, commonly referred to as acute gastroenteritis, typically includes vomiting accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, headache, or muscle aches.
Federal regulations require cruise ships to report qualifying gastrointestinal illness cases to the CDC. The agency monitors outbreaks through its Vessel Sanitation Program and investigates incidents that meet reporting thresholds.
Health officials said norovirus frequently causes cruise ship outbreaks because it spreads easily in enclosed environments. However, investigators often cannot confirm the cause until laboratory testing and epidemiological reviews are complete.
The CDC has not identified the pathogen responsible for the latest Sea Bird outbreak.
Cruise industry records multiple outbreaks this year
The latest incident adds to a growing number of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks reported on cruise ships in 2026.
According to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program report on the vessel, nine cruise ship outbreaks have met the threshold for public notification so far this year. Five were linked to norovirus, while two were attributed to Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli. Investigations into the remaining outbreaks are ongoing.
The CDC continues to monitor illness reports from cruise operators and advises passengers to practice good hand hygiene and report symptoms promptly while investigations continue.
