Norovirus Cases Identified Aboard MS Westerdam at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal – 1 March 2026

On 1 March 2026, Holland America Line's MS Westerdam arrived at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong with passengers and crew reporting symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis. Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed 76 cases of gastrointestinal illness, with laboratory testing identifying norovirus as the causative agent. Most cases were mild, and no hospitalizations were required.

Port health officers boarded the vessel at approximately 04:00 local time following advance notification from the ship's medical team. After inspection confirmed that onboard hygiene conditions met public health requirements, MS Westerdam was cleared to depart and continue its itinerary.

During the circular itinerary that had included stops in Japan, South Korea, and mainland China since mid-February, passengers and crew began reporting vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever. Testing of stool samples from several affected individuals confirmed the presence of norovirus, a common cause of gastrointestinal outbreaks in enclosed environments such as cruise ships. Most cases were described as mild, and only a few passengers still showed symptoms upon arrival at Hong Kong.

Passengers

• Approximately 2,000 onboard at the time of arrival in Hong Kong.

Crew

• Approximately 800 onboard.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 76 confirmed cases of gastrointestinal illness (norovirus); most described as mild. Only a few passengers showed symptoms upon arrival.

Rescued

• All passengers and crew disembarked safely. No hospitalizations were required.

Port health officers boarded the ship at approximately 04:00 local time after receiving advance notification from the ship's medical team. Authorities collected detailed case information and began environmental and epidemiological assessments. Food hygiene conditions onboard were inspected. A temporary medical station was established at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to assess disembarking travellers. Following disembarkation, MS Westerdam conducted enhanced sanitation procedures, with public areas and cabins cleaned and disinfected in accordance with international ship sanitation guidelines.

After inspection and confirmation that onboard hygiene conditions met public health requirements, MS Westerdam was cleared to depart and continue its itinerary to the next scheduled port of call. Health authorities emphasized the importance of hygiene measures to prevent the spread of norovirus in close-contact environments.