Seven Seas Voyager Reports Gastroenteritis Cases in Cape Town, Prompting Heightened Health Measures
Regent Seven Seas Cruises recently confirmed that a small number of guests aboard the Seven Seas Voyager experienced symptoms consistent with stomach flu (gastroenteritis) upon docking at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. This development triggered the activation of stringent onboard health protocols and an intensified sanitation regimen to safeguard passengers, crew, and the port community.
The incident surfaced on Monday at the conclusion of the vessel’s voyage. Although passengers were eventually allowed to disembark, several reported receiving limited information during the initial response phase, sparking concern among those present at the terminal.
James Arnold, spokesperson for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, emphasized the company’s commitment to health and safety in a statement to the Cape Argus. “A small percentage of guests on a Seven Seas Voyager sailing which ended in Cape Town, South Africa, have reported symptoms of stomach flu (gastroenteritis). The ship’s Sanitation Officer has activated the CDC-approved protocol, and all guests experiencing symptoms are being treated,” Arnold said. He added that additional cleaning operations, exceeding standard procedures and aligned with CDC guidelines, were undertaken ahead of the ship’s next voyage.
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is the U.S. federal agency responsible for disease surveillance and managing public health threats. In South Africa, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) was notified of the situation and is awaiting further details from the Western Cape Department of Health before issuing additional commentary.
Initial reports indicated the situation was classified as a “code red” internally, signaling a high alert, but was subsequently downgraded to “code yellow.” Staff at the terminal implemented strict health and safety protocols, including wearing masks and gloves, while the entire terminal underwent thorough sanitization. Despite these swift measures, some terminal workers expressed anxiety due to limited information about the illness.
Transnet Port Terminals confirmed that inquiries related to the incident were redirected to the Border Management Authority (BMA), which stated it did not attend to the vessel. This highlights a complex coordination dynamic among port health authorities during such events.
Disembarking passengers noted delays and were required to remain onboard until cleared to proceed through immigration, with explanations confined to references to the “code yellow” status. The NICD reiterated its role in surveillance, diagnostics, and investigation but deferred further comments pending provincial health reports.
The Seven Seas Voyager has now completed disembarkation, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises confirming that enhanced cleaning measures were conducted in line with international public health guidance. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges cruise operators face in managing infectious disease risks and maintaining passenger confidence in a post-pandemic travel environment.
For Africa’s cruise and tourism sectors, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of robust health protocols, transparent communication, and inter-agency cooperation to safeguard the wellbeing of travellers and local communities alike.
