A norovirus outbreak has struck Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, sickening over 100 passengers and crew during its latest voyage. Holland America now joins Royal Caribbean, Princess, Viking, Silversea, and Sea Cloud in battling a wave of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships this year, as multiple vessels report rising cases.
Norovirus Outbreak on Rotterdam
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 107 guests and 12 crew members aboard Rotterdam reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea during the ship’s Feb. 2–Feb. 14 Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A Holland America spokesperson confirmed that most cases were mild and quickly resolved. In response, the cruise line implemented enhanced sanitation protocols in collaboration with the CDC, including:
- Continuous ship disinfection
- Isolation of sick passengers and crew
- Additional measures to minimize further spread
Multiple Cruise Ships Hit by Illness Outbreaks in 2025
The Rotterdam outbreak is one of seven reported cruise ship illness outbreaks in 2025 that have met the CDC’s public notification threshold. These outbreaks have affected ships across multiple leading cruise brands, including:
| Cruise Line | Cruise Ship | Sailing Dates | Causative Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holland America Line | Rotterdam | 2/2/2025 – 2/14/2025 | Norovirus |
| Royal Caribbean International | Radiance of the Seas | 2/1/2025 – 2/8/2025 | Unknown |
| Princess Cruises | Coral Princess | 1/20/2025 – 2/5/2025 | Norovirus |
| Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd. | Viking Mars | 1/10/2025 – 1/24/2025 | Norovirus |
| Holland America Line | Volendam | 1/4/2025 – 1/25/2025 | Norovirus |
| Silversea Cruises | Silver Ray | 1/4/2025 – 1/20/2025 | E. coli |
| Sea Cloud Cruises | Sea Cloud Spirit | 1/4/2025 – 1/10/2025 | Ciguatera (presumed) |
Cruise Outbreak Trends and Risks
While norovirus outbreaks are more common in colder months, the CDC notes that cruise ships account for only 1% of all norovirus outbreaks. However, their closed environments and frequent passenger turnover create a higher risk of gastrointestinal illness transmission.
With seven outbreaks already in early 2025, travelers are urged to:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid touching shared surfaces
- Report symptoms immediately to onboard medical staff
As cruise lines ramp up sanitation efforts, passengers should remain vigilant to minimize personal risk and ensure a safe voyage.
The post Holland America Joins Royal Caribbean, Princess, Viking, Silversea, and Sea Cloud in Battling Cruise Over Hundred on Rotterdam: New Report You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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