Nearly 120 people just got sick on a cruise ship—here’s how to avoid being next!
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Cruising the high seas should be an adventure filled with relaxation and discovery, not a bout with an unpleasant illness.
Yet, for nearly 120 guests and crew aboard the Holland America Line's Rotterdam, their 12-day Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, turned into a health scare when an outbreak occurred.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that out of 2,614 passengers, 107 guests and a dozen crew members experienced symptoms typical of norovirus: primarily vomiting and diarrhea.
The ship, which set sail on February 2, became the setting for the seventh outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on cruises to meet the CDC's criteria for public notification in 2025.
Norovirus, often highlighted in headlines associated with cruise ships, actually represents a small fraction of all outbreaks—just 1% according to health officials.
However, the close quarters and shared facilities on a cruise ship can create an ideal environment for the highly contagious virus to spread.
Holland America's spokesperson assured that the cases were “mostly mild and quickly resolved,” and that the cruise line had initiated”'enhanced sanitation protocol” in partnership with the CDC. These measures included continuous disinfection of the ship and isolation of those affected.
Despite the swift action taken by Holland America, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of personal health and safety measures while cruising.
Also read: This “perfect pathogen” is tougher than you think—Learn the secret to beating norovirus now!
Here's how you can protect yourself from becoming the next norovirus statistic:
1. Practice good hand hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Hand sanitizers can be a good supplement, but they are not a substitute for good old-fashioned handwashing.
2. Be aware of symptoms
Norovirus typically starts with sudden onset of stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you start feeling unwell, report it to the ship's medical staff immediately.
3. Avoid touching your face
The virus can easily spread from your hands to your mouth, so keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.
4. Take care at the buffet
Buffets are a staple of cruise dining, but they can also be a hotbed for germs. Use hand sanitizer before serving yourself and try to touch only the utensils and food you will be taking.
Source: CBS Miami / Youtube.
5. Stay hydrated
If you do fall ill, it's crucial to stay hydrated. Norovirus can lead to dehydration, especially in older adults, so drink plenty of fluids.
6. Consider travel insurance
Travel insurance can offer peace of mind, especially if it covers medical expenses and trip interruptions due to illness.
7. Follow crew instructions
If there's an outbreak, the crew will implement procedures to contain it. Follow their instructions carefully to help prevent the spread of the virus.
While outbreaks like the one on the Rotterdam are relatively rare, they are a stark reminder of the need for vigilance when it comes to health on cruise ships.
As Dr. Dean Winslow of Stanford Medicine points out, outbreaks are more common in settings where people congregate, such as cruise ships, universities, nursing homes, and even hospitals.
As we continue to enjoy the pleasures of cruising, let's also remember to take proactive steps to ensure our health and safety.
Also read: Doctor’s secret norovirus survival kit—grab yours now!
Have you ever encountered a health scare while on a cruise? What precautions do you take to stay well? Share your insights in the comments below!
Yet, for nearly 120 guests and crew aboard the Holland America Line's Rotterdam, their 12-day Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, turned into a health scare when an outbreak occurred.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that out of 2,614 passengers, 107 guests and a dozen crew members experienced symptoms typical of norovirus: primarily vomiting and diarrhea.
The ship, which set sail on February 2, became the setting for the seventh outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on cruises to meet the CDC's criteria for public notification in 2025.
Norovirus, often highlighted in headlines associated with cruise ships, actually represents a small fraction of all outbreaks—just 1% according to health officials.
However, the close quarters and shared facilities on a cruise ship can create an ideal environment for the highly contagious virus to spread.
A norovirus outbreak on a Holland America Line cruise ship sickened nearly 120 guests and crew members. Image source: CBS Miami / Youtube.
Holland America's spokesperson assured that the cases were “mostly mild and quickly resolved,” and that the cruise line had initiated”'enhanced sanitation protocol” in partnership with the CDC. These measures included continuous disinfection of the ship and isolation of those affected.
Despite the swift action taken by Holland America, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of personal health and safety measures while cruising.
Also read: This “perfect pathogen” is tougher than you think—Learn the secret to beating norovirus now!
Here's how you can protect yourself from becoming the next norovirus statistic:
1. Practice good hand hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Hand sanitizers can be a good supplement, but they are not a substitute for good old-fashioned handwashing.
2. Be aware of symptoms
Norovirus typically starts with sudden onset of stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you start feeling unwell, report it to the ship's medical staff immediately.
3. Avoid touching your face
The virus can easily spread from your hands to your mouth, so keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.
4. Take care at the buffet
Buffets are a staple of cruise dining, but they can also be a hotbed for germs. Use hand sanitizer before serving yourself and try to touch only the utensils and food you will be taking.
Source: CBS Miami / Youtube.
5. Stay hydrated
If you do fall ill, it's crucial to stay hydrated. Norovirus can lead to dehydration, especially in older adults, so drink plenty of fluids.
6. Consider travel insurance
Travel insurance can offer peace of mind, especially if it covers medical expenses and trip interruptions due to illness.
7. Follow crew instructions
If there's an outbreak, the crew will implement procedures to contain it. Follow their instructions carefully to help prevent the spread of the virus.
While outbreaks like the one on the Rotterdam are relatively rare, they are a stark reminder of the need for vigilance when it comes to health on cruise ships.
As Dr. Dean Winslow of Stanford Medicine points out, outbreaks are more common in settings where people congregate, such as cruise ships, universities, nursing homes, and even hospitals.
As we continue to enjoy the pleasures of cruising, let's also remember to take proactive steps to ensure our health and safety.
Also read: Doctor’s secret norovirus survival kit—grab yours now!
Have you ever encountered a health scare while on a cruise? What precautions do you take to stay well? Share your insights in the comments below!
