Fort Lauderdale, FL - A recent voyage of Holland America Line's MS Rotterdam experienced a significant norovirus outbreak, impacting more than 150 passengers and crew members.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that during the 12-day cruise, which commenced on February 2nd, 2025, from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades, 152 out of 2,614 passengers (approximately 5.8%) and 17 out of 969 crew members (about 1.8%) reported symptoms consistent with norovirus, including diarrhea and vomiting.
The voyage included stops in the Caribbean, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program on February 7, 2025.
In response to the outbreak, Holland America Line implemented enhanced sanitation protocols, isolated affected individuals, and collected stool specimens for testing.
The CDC has been remotely monitoring the situation, reviewing the ship's outbreak response and sanitation procedures.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastrointestinal illness, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and, in some cases, fever, headache, and muscle aches.
The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and close contact with infected individuals.
This incident marks the seventh gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship reported to the CDC in the first two months of 2025.
Passengers are advised to maintain rigorous hand hygiene and report any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness to the ship's medical staff promptly.
Early reporting aids in the swift implementation of control measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
Holland America Line continues to collaborate with health authorities to ensure the well-being of its passengers and crew, adhering to established health and safety protocols to manage and mitigate such outbreaks.