Regent Seven Seas reports stomach flu aboard Seven Seas Voyager in Cape Town

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has confirmed that a small number of guests aboard Seven Seas Voyager reported symptoms of stomach flu when the vessel docked in Cape Town earlier this week, prompting the activation of onboard health protocols and heightened sanitation measures.

The incident came to light on Monday, when the ship arrived at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal at the end of a voyage. Passengers were later allowed to disembark, although several told local media they had received limited information during the initial stages of the response.

In a statement provided to the Cape Argus, James Arnold, spokesperson for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, confirmed that cases of gastroenteritis had been reported and that established procedures were followed.

“At Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the destinations we visit is our number one priority,” Arnold said. “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. In an abundance of caution, additional cleaning operations – developed in accordance with CDC guidelines, on top of our standard rigorous protocols – will take place prior to the commencement of the ship’s next voyage,” he added.

The CDC (Centre for Disease Control) is the US federal public health agency responsible for protecting public health through disease surveillance, prevention, and response to health threats.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa’s CDC equivalent, confirmed that it had been alerted to the situation.

However, the institute said it was awaiting further information from provincial authorities. “We are aware of the matter and await further details from the Western Cape Department of Health,” the NICD said.

According to reports from the Cape Argus, the situation on arrival was initially classified internally as a “code red” before later being downgraded to a “code yellow”. Staff working in and around the terminal were instructed to follow health and safety protocols, and relevant authorities were notified.

Transnet Port Terminals Cape Town confirmed that it had redirected enquiries to the Border Management Authority, which is responsible for port health incidents.

However, the BMA stated that it did not attend the vessel. “The BMA has not attended to an international vessel that has docked in Cape Town,” said Mmemme Mogotsi, communications representative for the authority.

A terminal worker, who asked not to be identified, told local media that sanitation measures were implemented swiftly.

“We were told it is Code Red; people are sick aboard the ship. The whole terminal was sanitised, and staff were wearing masks and gloves,” the worker said, adding that there was uncertainty among staff about the nature of the illness. “We do not know what suspected sickness it is or what happened. We have to think of our families also.”

Passengers who disembarked later said they had been instructed to wait onboard before proceeding through immigration, with limited explanation provided beyond references to a “code yellow” status.

The NICD noted that its role is to respond to suspected or emerging public health threats through surveillance, diagnostics, and investigation, but said it could not comment further until information was received from provincial health authorities.

Seven Seas Voyager has since completed disembarkation in Cape Town. Regent Seven Seas Cruises said additional cleaning was carried out before the ship’s next sailing, in line with international public health guidance.