The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the first reported norovirus outbreak of 2025 aboard a cruise ship, affecting nearly 90 passengers and crew members during a 12-day Caribbean voyage.
Holland America Line’s Rotterdam vessel experienced the outbreak during its December 28 through January 9 sailing, which departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise line notified the CDC of the situation on January 8, according to the agency’s official report.
The outbreak affected 81 passengers and eight crew members who reported symptoms consistent with norovirus infection, including diarrhea and vomiting. The ship carried 2,593 passengers and 1,005 crew members at the time of the outbreak. The vessel made scheduled stops in Curaçao, Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and other Caribbean destinations during the voyage.
Norovirus remains a persistent challenge in the cruise industry, despite enhanced sanitation protocols implemented across the sector. The highly contagious virus spreads rapidly in enclosed environments where large groups of people congregate in close quarters. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping.
The CDC maintains a vessel sanitation program that monitors cruise ships calling at U.S. ports. When outbreaks occur, cruise lines are required to report cases to the agency and implement enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures. These measures include increased sanitation of high-touch surfaces, isolation of symptomatic individuals, and notification of passengers about prevention strategies.
Industry experts note that norovirus outbreaks, while concerning, represent a small fraction of overall cruise operations. With millions of passengers sailing annually, the cruise industry continues to experience record participation levels. The enclosed nature of cruise ships, however, creates conditions where contagious illnesses can spread more efficiently than in typical land-based settings.
Holland America Line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, operates a fleet of mid-sized ships focusing on premium cruise experiences. The Rotterdam, one of the company’s newer vessels, entered service in 2021 and can accommodate over 2,600 passengers.
The CDC recommends that cruise passengers practice frequent hand washing, avoid touching their faces, and stay in their cabins if they develop symptoms of illness. Passengers who become ill should notify the ship’s medical center immediately to receive appropriate care and prevent further transmission to others aboard the vessel.
This outbreak marks the beginning of what health officials will monitor throughout the year. Previous years have seen multiple norovirus incidents aboard various cruise lines, with the CDC maintaining detailed records of each reported case. The agency’s surveillance program helps identify patterns and implement preventive measures across the industry.
Passengers planning future cruises should remain aware of health protocols and take appropriate precautions to minimize their risk of illness during their voyages.
Related: San Antonio Protesters Build Memorial for Woman Shot After Charging ICE Agent
