- shipsanitor com
- March 19, 2025
“Holland America Cruise Ship Faces Second Outbreak”
Norovirus Outbreaks on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam: What You Need to Know
If you had a nickel for every time there was a norovirus outbreak on Holland America Line’s *Rotterdam* this year, you’d have two nickels. While that may not seem like much, the fact that it happened twice in such a short span is certainly eyebrow-raising. The latest outbreak occurred during the ship’s current 21-night roundtrip Southern Caribbean itinerary, which departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak was reported on **March 15, 2025**, just eight days into the cruise. This raises important questions about onboard health protocols and the frequency of these incidents.
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CDC Reporting Requirements and the Scope of the Outbreak
Under CDC regulations, any vessel operating within U.S. waters—including ships sailing to or from U.S. ports—must report outbreaks when cases exceed **3%** of the total number of passengers or crew onboard. With 2,700 passengers at capacity, *Rotterdam* saw **89 guests** and **4 crew members** fall ill with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. That’s approximately **3.3% of passengers** and **0.4% of the 970 crew members** affected.
The ship had already made stops in Kralendijk (Bonaire), Oranjestad (Aruba), and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) by the time the outbreak was officially reported. Despite the situation, the itinerary remained unchanged, and the *Rotterdam* returned to its homeport on March 16 to begin its **12-night cruise**, which serves as the second segment of the longer 21-night voyage. Passengers will continue through the Panama Canal, stopping in Panama, Costa Rica, and Jamaica before disembarking in Florida on March 28.
Response Measures and Health Protocols
In response to the outbreak, *Rotterdam’s* crew has intensified cleaning and disinfection efforts. Both symptomatic crew members and passengers were isolated to prevent further spread. Stool specimens were collected for confirmation testing, which identified norovirus as the causative agent. The ship also consulted the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) for guidance on reporting procedures and sanitation protocols.
This isn’t the first brush with norovirus for the *Rotterdam*. Just over a month earlier, on **February 7, 2025**, another outbreak was reported during a 12-night roundtrip Panama Canal itinerary out of Port Everglades. That incident affected **119 individuals**, including **107 passengers (4.1%)** and **12 crew members (1.2%)** out of a total of 2,614 passengers and 969 crew.
A Pattern Across Holland America Line Ships
Unfortunately, *Rotterdam* isn’t the only Holland America Line ship grappling with repeated norovirus outbreaks in 2025. The *Eurodam* has also faced challenges:
– On **January 4, 2025**, an outbreak was reported during a 9-night southern Caribbean itinerary that began on December 30, 2024. A total of **109 passengers (5.1%)** and **13 crew members (1.6%)** fell ill.
– Another outbreak struck the *Eurodam* on **February 23, 2025**, during a 10-night roundtrip southern Caribbean voyage. This time, **162 passengers (7.9%)** and **17 crew members (2%)** were affected.
Additionally, the *Volendam* experienced an outbreak in January during a 21-night Caribbean voyage. **93 passengers (6.8%)** and **11 crew members (1.93%)** became ill.
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### Broader Industry Trends: Is Norovirus a Growing Concern?
Holland America Line isn’t alone in dealing with norovirus outbreaks this year. Other cruise lines have also reported similar incidents:
– **Oceania Cruises’ Nautica**: An outbreak was reported on **January 3, 2025**, just one day before the *Eurodam’s* initial report.
– **Viking Cruises’ Viking Mars** and **Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess**: Both ships dealt with outbreaks in January 2025.
– The *Coral Princess* even experienced a second outbreak, reported to the CDC on **March 7, 2025**.
Despite these incidents, experts emphasize that norovirus outbreaks are relatively rare given the scale of the cruise industry. In 2024, approximately **35.7 million people** cruised worldwide, but only around **800 cases** of norovirus were reported—equating to just **0.002%** of all passengers.
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Why Shouldn’t Travelers Be Concerned?
While back-to-back outbreaks might sound alarming, they represent a minuscule fraction of overall cruise activity. Cruise lines are required to adhere to strict sanitation standards, and outbreaks are promptly addressed to ensure passenger safety. Enhanced cleaning protocols, isolation measures, and consultation with health authorities like the CDC help mitigate risks.
For travelers considering a cruise, it’s worth noting that norovirus is highly contagious and can occur in any communal setting—not just on cruise ships. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with sick individuals, can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
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Final Thoughts
While the double outbreaks on the *Rotterdam* and other Holland America Line ships are unusual, they highlight the importance of robust health and safety measures in the cruise industry. Passengers can take comfort in knowing that cruise operators are actively working to minimize risks and maintain a safe environment for everyone onboard. So, whether you’re planning a tropical getaway or a transatlantic adventure, rest assured that your dream vacation remains well within reach.