A Norovirus Outbreak Affects Hundreds on a Holland America Cruise Ship

A Gastrointestinal Illness Spreads Aboard the MS Rotterdam

A recent Holland America cruise turned into a less-than-ideal vacation for hundreds of passengers and crew members after a norovirus outbreak swept through the ship. The MS Rotterdam, a nearly 1,000-foot-long cruise liner, reported 152 passengers and 17 crew members falling ill with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea during its 12-day voyage through the Panama Canal. This outbreak, which impacted just under 6% of the 2,614 passengers onboard, has raised concerns about the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses in confined environments like cruise ships.

The cruise, which departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 2, was initially supposed to be a relaxing journey through exotic destinations like Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and the Bahamas. However, the emergence of norovirus symptoms quickly shifted the focus from tropical getaways to health and safety protocols. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak was reported on February 7, and the agency has been working closely with the cruise line to contain the spread of the virus.

The Cause and Spread of the Outbreak

Norovirus, a highly contagious virus known for causing gastrointestinal symptoms, is notorious for spreading quickly in enclosed spaces like cruise ships, where people live and interact closely. The virus can spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces, as well as through direct contact with an infected person. While the exact source of the outbreak on the MS Rotterdam remains unclear, the proximity of passengers and crew in such a setting creates an environment where illnesses can spread rapidly.

The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program was notified of the outbreak on February 7, and the agency has since been involved in efforts to mitigate the spread. The cruise line has also taken steps to address the situation, isolating affected passengers and crew, increasing cleaning and disinfection protocols, and collecting stool samples for further testing. Despite these efforts, the outbreak has once again highlighted the challenges of preventing and managing contagious illnesses on cruise ships.

Holland America’s Response to the Outbreak

Holland America has emphasized that the cases were mostly mild and that symptoms were resolved quickly for most passengers and crew. A spokesperson for the cruise line stated that enhanced sanitation protocols were implemented in collaboration with the CDC to minimize further transmission. These measures included continuous disinfection of the ship and increased vigilance in maintaining a clean environment.

The spokesperson also mentioned that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain a top priority. While the outbreak has undoubtedly disrupted the vacation plans of many, the cruise line’s proactive response has been aimed at preventing the virus from spreading further and ensuring the health of everyone onboard. The ship is scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale on February 17, following its planned itinerary.

A Pattern of Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships

Unfortunately, the MS Rotterdam outbreak is not an isolated incident. It marks the seventh reported outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on a cruise ship in 2025, and it’s only the beginning of February. Last year was particularly problematic, with 18 outbreaks reported—making it the worst year for cruise ship-related stomach viruses in over a decade. Norovirus has been linked to three other outbreaks since the start of the year, according to the CDC.

The recurring nature of these outbreaks underscores the need for continued vigilance and improved prevention strategies within the cruise industry. While cruise lines have made significant strides in enhancing sanitation and hygiene protocols, the highly contagious nature of norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses continues to pose a challenge. The close quarters of a cruise ship create an ideal environment for such viruses to spread, and even with the best precautions, outbreaks can and do occur.

Lessons Learned and Future Precautions

The recent outbreak on the MS Rotterdam serves as a reminder of the importance of sanitation and hygiene practices, both for passengers and crew. While cruise lines like Holland America have implemented robust protocols to address such situations, passengers also play a crucial role in preventing the spread of illness. Simple measures—such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and promptly reporting symptoms—can go a long way in reducing the risk of infection.

Additionally, the repetition of such incidents highlights the need for ongoing collaboration between cruise lines, health authorities, and passengers. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program works tirelessly to monitor and respond to outbreaks, providing critical support to cruise lines in managing and mitigating the spread of illness. By working together, the industry can continue to improve its response to such incidents and reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Safety and Enjoyment

Despite the challenges posed by outbreaks like the one on the MS Rotterdam, millions of people continue to enjoy cruise vacations every year. While the risk of illness is always present in any public setting, cruise lines have demonstrated their commitment to safety and health through their prompt responses and enhanced protocols. For passengers, it’s important to remain informed and take personal responsibility for their health while onboard.

As the cruise industry moves forward, the focus will remain on balancing the enjoyment of a luxurious vacation with the necessary precautions to ensure passenger and crew safety. By learning from past incidents and continuing to prioritize health and hygiene, the industry can work toward minimizing the impact of future outbreaks and providing a safe, enjoyable experience for all.