Illness outbreak Americas Caribbean Sea · 17 January 2025
Norovirus Outbreak on Holland America's Volendam: 60 Cases Reported: Incident on 17 January 2025
What happened
On 17 January 2025, Holland America Line's ms Volendam reported a norovirus outbreak affecting 60 passengers and crew members during a Caribbean voyage that departed Port Miami, Florida, on 4 January 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 53 passengers and 7 crew members experienced symptoms, primarily diarrhea and vomiting. Holland America Line stated that most cases were mild and resolved quickly.
This outbreak marked the fourth norovirus incident on Holland America Line vessels since early December 2024, following similar cases on the Eurodam, Rotterdam, and Zuiderdam. The cruise line implemented enhanced sanitation measures, including continuous disinfection and isolation of affected individuals, to prevent further spread.
Details of the outbreak
The norovirus outbreak occurred during a Caribbean itinerary with planned calls in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Barbados. Affected passengers and crew experienced gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting. Holland America Line responded by isolating symptomatic individuals and implementing enhanced cleaning protocols across the vessel to contain transmission.
Passengers and crew
Affected
- 53 passengers confirmed with norovirus symptoms
- 7 crew members confirmed with norovirus symptoms
Casualties
Fatalities
- None reported.
Injuries
- 60 cases of norovirus with gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea and vomiting); most cases were mild and resolved quickly.
Rescued
- Not applicable — outbreak management and isolation protocols implemented onboard.
Emergency response
Holland America Line implemented enhanced sanitation measures in response to the outbreak, including continuous disinfection of public areas and isolation of affected passengers and crew members to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Current status
The outbreak was contained through isolation and enhanced cleaning protocols. This incident is part of a broader pattern of norovirus outbreaks affecting Holland America Line's fleet, with three similar incidents reported on the Eurodam, Rotterdam, and Zuiderdam since early December 2024.