Norovirus Outbreak Strikes Holland America Cruise Ship, Fourth Incident This Year

A recent Holland America Line cruise experienced a significant norovirus outbreak, sickening nearly 95 individuals and marking the cruise line’s fourth such incident in 2025. The outbreak occurred aboard the Rotterdam ship during a cruise that concluded on Sunday. According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 89 of the 2,670 passengers onboard reported experiencing illness, alongside four members of the ship’s crew. The primary symptoms reported by those affected were vomiting and diarrhea, both hallmark indicators of norovirus infection.

The Caribbean cruise originated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, setting sail on March 7th, according to cruise tracking resources. The incident has raised concerns about sanitation and hygiene practices on cruise ships, particularly given the frequency of such outbreaks. Cruise ship medical facilities, designed to handle a variety of health issues from minor injuries to more serious ailments, including those related to infectious diseases, are now facing increased scrutiny. The facilities play a crucial role in containing outbreaks and providing care to affected passengers and crew.

In response to the outbreak, Holland America Line implemented a series of measures aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus. These measures included heightened cleaning and disinfection protocols throughout the ship, as well as the isolation of both sick guests and employees to prevent further transmission. While the cruise line has yet to provide an official statement, the CDC confirmed the implementation of these measures.

This latest outbreak follows three previous norovirus incidents on Holland America ships earlier in the year, one of which also occurred on the Rotterdam last month. These repeated incidents suggest potential systemic issues within the cruise line’s sanitation and hygiene practices, warranting further investigation and preventative action.

The CDC has reported a total of 10 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships that have met the agency’s threshold for public notification in 2025 so far. The majority of these outbreaks have been attributed to norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping.

While norovirus is often associated with cruise ships, it is important to note that cruises only account for a small fraction of all norovirus outbreaks reported. According to health officials, cruise ships represent approximately 1% of all reported outbreaks. However, the close proximity of individuals on cruise ships, coupled with shared dining and recreational facilities, can create an environment conducive to the rapid spread of the virus.

Dr. Dean Winslow, a professor of medicine and pediatrics at Stanford Medicine, emphasized that norovirus outbreaks are common in congregate settings where people eat and drink together. These settings include not only cruise ships, but also universities, nursing homes, and even hospitals. The virus spreads easily through contaminated food or water, touching contaminated surfaces, and direct contact with infected individuals.

Preventing the spread of norovirus requires strict adherence to hygiene practices, including frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating. It is also important to avoid sharing food and drinks with others, and to clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of norovirus should stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent further transmission.

The repeated norovirus outbreaks on Holland America ships this year raise questions about the effectiveness of the cruise line’s sanitation and hygiene protocols. It is imperative that cruise lines take proactive measures to prevent the spread of norovirus and other infectious diseases, including implementing rigorous cleaning and disinfection procedures, providing adequate handwashing facilities, and educating passengers and crew about the importance of hygiene.

The CDC continues to monitor cruise ship outbreaks and provides guidance to cruise lines on how to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases. Passengers planning a cruise should be aware of the potential risks of norovirus and take precautions to protect themselves. This includes washing hands frequently, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and reporting any symptoms of illness to the ship’s medical staff.

As a consumer travel reporter, Nathan Diller of USA TODAY continues to investigate the impact of these outbreaks on the cruise industry and the health of passengers. His reporting aims to provide travelers with the information they need to make informed decisions about their travel plans.