NEWS: The CDC Is Reporting a NEW Norovirus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship Right Now

By Madeleine Zaharchuk
Posted on Posted on February 12, 2025

The highly contagious norovirus has made its way onboard a 12-day cruise out of Port Everglades, Florida, with over 100 cases so far.

According to Fox 13, Holland America Line’s MS Rotterdam reported the norovirus had spread among its passengers, who sailed out of Port Everglades on February 2nd, 2025. 107 passengers and 12 crew members on Holland America’s MS Rotterdam contracted norovirus as of February 12th, 2025.

The Rotterdam ship has a capacity of 2,668 guests, and Fox 13 reported there were 2,614 passengers and 969 crew members on the ship; 119 of those onboard contracted the illness.  In light of the outbreak, Holland America told the CDC that crew members are attempting to stop the virus from spreading by cleaning and disinfecting the ship and isolating infected passengers and crew.

This news comes after a series of recent norovirus or “gastrointestinal illness” outbreaks on other cruise ships. Holland America’s Rotterdam and Volendam cruises reported previous outbreaks, as well as Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess ship and Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas.

According to the CDC website, norovirus and other related illnesses are fairly common on cruise ships. The CDC says, “Norovirus is a very contagious virus. Close living quarters may increase the amount of group contact. People joining the ship may bring the virus to other passengers and crew,” adding that health officials must track illness on cruise ships, “So outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land.”

The CDC does not report AGE (norovirus and acute gastroenteritis) outbreaks unless the number of cases has met the threshold for an outbreak, which, in this case, is 3% or more of a ship’s passengers or crew.

The CDC recommends that passengers wash their hands often while onboard a cruise, especially after using the toilet and before eating or smoking. This is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. 

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest travel news, so stay tuned for more.

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