The Rotterdam returned to Fort Lauderdale on Friday after a norovirus outbreak sickened 89 people during a week-long Caribbean cruise.
At a Glance
- 81 passengers and 8 crew reported gastrointestinal symptoms
- This is the ship’s second outbreak in under a year
- CDC says predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea
- Why it matters: Rapid spread in close quarters highlights ongoing cruise health risks
The Holland America Line Rotterdam departed Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 28 and concluded its voyage on Friday, according to statements from the cruise line and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of the 2,593 passengers and 1,005 crew on board, 81 passengers and 8 crew members became ill.
Outbreak Details
Symptoms matched classic norovirus presentation, the CDC confirmed.
- Predominant symptoms: vomiting and diarrhea
- Stool specimens collected by crew
- Ill passengers and crew isolated
- Comprehensive sanitization performed post-voyage
“The cases were mostly mild and quickly resolved,” Holland America said in a statement. “The health of our guests and crew is a top priority and consistent with CDC protocols, we conducted a comprehensive sanitization of the ship when the cruise ended Friday in Fort Lauderdale.”
Repeat Incident
This marks the second norovirus outbreak aboard the Rotterdam within 11 months.
| Date | Ill Passengers | Ill Crew | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 2, 2024 voyage | 169 | Not specified | 169+ |
| Dec. 28, 2024 voyage | 81 | 8 | 89 |
The February outbreak occurred days after the ship left Fort Lauderdale on a similar itinerary, News Of Losangeles previously reported.
CDC Oversight
Federal health officials track acute gastroenteritis on ships carrying 13 or more passengers with itineraries from 3 to 21 days. The Rotterdam’s latest voyage fell under this surveillance program.
- Crew followed CDC protocols for specimen collection
- Isolation measures implemented
- Terminal sanitization completed
- Outbreak logged in CDC’s vessel sanitation database
Holland America said it will continue cooperating with health authorities to prevent further spread.
Key Takeaways
- 89 people fell ill on the Rotterdam’s latest cruise, down from 169 in February
- Norovirus spreads rapidly in confined environments like cruise ships
- Both outbreaks originated from Fort Lauderdale sailings
- CDC protocols require immediate sanitization and reporting
Daniel J. Whitman reported from NBC News.
