What caused the illness on the Rotterdam cruise ship?

The illness on the Rotterdam cruise ship was suspected to be norovirus, causing gastrointestinal symptoms in passengers and crew.

How many people were affected by the norovirus outbreak on the Rotterdam?

A total of 94 passengers and crew members reported being ill during the Rotterdam's recent voyage.

What steps did Holland America Line take during the Rotterdam norovirus outbreak?

Holland America Line increased cleaning, isolated ill passengers, and consulted with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program.

Home / Health / Dozens Sick on Rotterdam Voyage: Norovirus Suspected

Dozens Sick on Rotterdam Voyage: Norovirus Suspected

16 Jan

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Summary

Norovirus sickened 94 passengers and crew on a Rotterdam cruise.
The affected voyage traveled from Fort Lauderdale to multiple Caribbean islands.
The cruise line responded with increased cleaning and isolation protocols.

Dozens Sick on Rotterdam Voyage: Norovirus Suspected

Dozens of passengers and crew members aboard the Rotterdam cruise ship experienced gastrointestinal distress during a recent round-trip voyage. The outbreak, identified as likely norovirus, led to 94 individuals reporting illness out of a total of 3,598 people on board. The affected journey, which departed Fort Lauderdale on December 28, included planned stops in Curaçao, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Jamaica.

Authorities confirmed the outbreak dates spanned from December 28 to January 9. In response, the ship's crew initiated rigorous cleaning and disinfection measures, collected samples for testing, and isolated those who were ill. Health officials remotely monitored the situation, reviewing the ship's response and sanitation protocols to ensure containment.

Holland America Line stated that the cases were largely mild and resolved quickly, emphasizing their commitment to guest and crew health. The ship underwent a comprehensive sanitization upon its return to Fort Lauderdale. This incident follows a similar outbreak on the same vessel in March, where 89 passengers reported illness.