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

A recent outbreak of norovirus aboard HAL-Holland America Line’s ms Volendam has resulted in 60 reported cases among passengers and crew. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that out of 1,369 guests, 53 fell ill alongside seven crew members, with symptoms mainly involving diarrhea and vomiting.

The ms Volendam departed from PortMiami, Florida, on January 4th, with an itinerary that included stops in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Barbados. Holland America Line has classified the reported cases as "mostly mild and quickly resolved," and has taken swift action in collaboration with the CDC. Enhanced sanitation measures have been implemented to prevent the virus’s spread, including continuous disinfection of the ship and isolation of affected individuals.

This incident marks the fourth norovirus outbreak on Holland America vessels since early December. Previous outbreaks were reported on other ships in the fleet, including the Eurodam, Rotterdam, and Zuiderdam. The CDC has highlighted an uptick in gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships, particularly during the colder winter months, with three outbreaks recorded so far in 2025, following 18 in 2024.

For additional incidents and accidents involving the ms Volendam, visit the ship’s CruiseMinus page.

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