A wave of illness swept through a major cruise ship in February, leaving nearly 80 people battling a suspected norovirus outbreak. The incident unfolded on Holland America’s Westerdam, triggering a swift investigation by health officials in Hong Kong.
Upon arrival in Hong Kong on March 1st, a team from the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) boarded the Westerdam to assess the situation. Of the roughly 2,800 people on board – passengers and crew – 65 guests and 11 crew members were experiencing the telltale signs of acute gastroenteritis: relentless diarrhea, debilitating vomiting, and spiking fevers.
The outbreak wasn’t isolated to Hong Kong. Reports surfaced of passengers falling ill during the ship’s previous voyage, which began in Yokohama, Japan. While the initial cases were described as mild and short-lived, the cruise line proactively implemented enhanced sanitation procedures and a deep cleaning of the vessel upon reaching Hong Kong.
The Westerdam’s journey prior to Hong Kong included stops in Japan, Busan in Korea, and Shanghai, China, potentially exposing a wide range of individuals. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of norovirus in stool samples taken from seven patients, solidifying suspicions about the cause of the widespread illness.
The first signs of trouble appeared early in the voyage. Two passengers who boarded in Japan on February 15th began experiencing symptoms on the very same day, marking the beginning of a cascading effect as more individuals succumbed to the virus.
Dr. Edwin Tsui, controller of the CHP, emphasized the importance of immediate action. Health officials briefed those affected and the ship’s operator on crucial health advice and infection control measures, including rigorous disinfection protocols and a heightened focus on personal and environmental hygiene.
The CHP recommended additional training for the ship’s cleaning staff, aiming to bolster their ability to prevent future outbreaks. Passengers and crew members who were symptom-free were permitted to disembark, while the ship underwent a meticulous cleaning and disinfection process.
Only after authorities were satisfied with the thoroughness of the cleaning and the overall hygiene conditions were new passengers and crew allowed to board. The Westerdam then resumed its journey, setting sail for the Philippines.
This wasn’t an isolated incident for Holland America. Records revealed a similar outbreak on the cruise line’s Rotterdam ship in late 2026, sickening nearly 90 passengers and crew during a voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Rotterdam’s voyage included stops in Curacao, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. The CDC’s data indicated that 81 passengers and 8 crew members reported experiencing diarrhea and vomiting while over 3,600 people were on board.
Health officials consistently urge travelers on cross-border cruises, and the operators themselves, to prioritize personal, food, and environmental hygiene as a critical safeguard against illness and the protection of public health.
