Nearly 100 People Fall Ill in Second Norovirus Outbreak on Holland America Cruise Ship This Month
A norovirus outbreak on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam has left nearly 100 people sick, marking the cruise line’s second such incident this month.
Details of the Outbreak
During a recent voyage ending Friday, 83 passengers and 12 crew members on the Rotterdam reported symptoms of norovirus, including vomiting and diarrhea. The ship carried 2,192 guests and had departed Fort Lauderdale on December 8, according to CruiseMapper.
A Holland America spokesperson described the cases as “mostly mild and quickly resolving,” adding that the cruise line implemented enhanced sanitation protocols in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To further prevent transmission, the cruise line isolated ill passengers and crew, increased cleaning measures, and thoroughly sanitized the ship upon its return to Fort Lauderdale. Boarding times for the ship’s next voyage were adjusted to allow for these additional precautions.
A Recurring Issue
This incident follows a similar outbreak on Holland America’s Zuiderdam, which ended on December 14, and one on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, concluding December 18. These outbreaks align with the CDC’s observation that gastrointestinal illnesses, such as norovirus, are more common during cooler winter months, though they can occur year-round, especially in equatorial regions.
The CDC has recorded 14 cruise-related gastrointestinal illness outbreaks meeting its public notification criteria in 2024. Norovirus was identified as the cause in 11 of these incidents.
Norovirus and Cruise Ships
Norovirus is often associated with cruise ships, but according to the CDC, cruise-related cases account for only 1% of all reported outbreaks.
“There’s nothing special or unique about cruise ships,” Dr. Sarah E. Hochman, an infectious disease expert at NYU Langone Health, explained to USA TODAY earlier this year. “These outbreaks can happen in any congregate setting but tend to get more attention on cruise ships due to the large number of people in close quarters.”
Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals. The CDC advises proper hand hygiene and regular disinfection to reduce the risk of transmission, especially in shared spaces like cruise ships.
As cruise travel continues to rebound in popularity, incidents like these highlight the importance of vigilant sanitation measures and public health protocols to ensure passenger safety.
