Norovirus Outbreak on HAL’s Ship Volendam: 60 Cases Reported

A norovirus outbreak on the ms Volendam, operated by Holland America Line, has resulted in 60 reported cases of illness among passengers and crew. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 53 of the 1,369 guests and 7 crew members experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting, during the current voyage.

The Volendam departed from PortMiami on January 4th and was scheduled to visit several destinations, such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Barbados. Holland America Line characterized the reported cases as "mostly mild and quickly resolved." The cruise line has collaborated with the CDC to implement enhanced sanitation measures aimed at controlling the spread of the virus, which include ongoing ship disinfection and isolating those affected.

This incident marks the fourth norovirus outbreak on Holland America Line ships since early December, following similar reports from the Eurodam, Rotterdam, and Zuiderdam. Other cruise lines, including Cunard Line and Princess Cruises, have also reported outbreaks recently.

As of 2025, the CDC has recorded three outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships that warranted public notification. This follows 18 such outbreaks in 2024, most of which were attributed to norovirus. The CDC notes that these outbreaks tend to increase during the cooler winter months.

For additional details on incidents involving the Volendam, refer to the ship’s CruiseMinus page.


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