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A cruise from the Holland America Line where nearly 170 cases of a gastrointestinal illness were reported arrived on Friday at the port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The ship Rotterdam left the same port on February 2 and was able to complete its planned 12-day journey, though not without first facing a norovirus outbreak that affected 152 passengers and 17 crew members.
"I saw people in special hazmat suits going from room to room, cleaning. I was so sick that it took me four days to recover," reported a passenger who got infected to Telemundo 51.
Norovirus is a virus that causes the illness of the same name, which is also referred to as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and food poisoning. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, although there may also be fever, headache, and muscle aches.
After the disease was detected, the company and the ship's crew took actions such as increasing cleaning and disinfection, performing fecal analysis on those infected, and isolating everyone.
In a statement, Holland America said that the cases on the Rotterdam were mostly mild and were resolved quickly.
"It was perfect the way they handled the situation. They cleaned everything. They removed the self-service system in buffets, and they managed the outbreak very well," acknowledged a passenger.
Norovirus is primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food. To prevent transmission, it is important to wash hands thoroughly. The patient should remain isolated and stay properly hydrated.
The CDC warns that when this happens on a cruise ship, the sick, whether passengers or crew members, must report any symptoms to quickly detect outbreaks and take measures to limit the spread of the disease.
According to information from Telemundo 51, this is the seventh outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships so far this year.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Gastrointestinal Disease Outbreak on Cruises
What illness affected the Holland America Line cruise ship Rotterdam?
The cruise ship Rotterdam was affected by an outbreak of norovirus, a gastrointestinal illness that caused symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain in 152 passengers and 17 crew members.
How did they handle the norovirus outbreak aboard the Rotterdam?
To manage the norovirus outbreak, the crew of the Rotterdam increased cleaning and disinfection of the ship, conducted stool samples, and isolated those infected. Additionally, they eliminated the self-service system in the buffets.
What measures do the CDC recommend to prevent the spread of gastrointestinal diseases on cruise ships?
The CDC recommends that sick individuals, whether passengers or crew members, report any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness to quickly identify outbreaks and take measures to limit the spread. They also emphasize the importance of hygiene, such as thoroughly washing hands.
What is the impact of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on the cruise industry in 2025?
So far in 2025, seven outbreaks of gastroenteric diseases on cruise ships have been reported, highlighting the ongoing need for strict hygiene measures and health surveillance in the cruise industry.
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