Holland America Line’s Volendam cruise ship became the latest vessel to be hit by a norovirus outbreak, with 53 guests and seven crew members becoming ill during its current voyage.
The ship, carrying 1,369 passengers, departed Miami on January 4 with stops scheduled in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Barbados. Despite improved sanitation measures, the cruise line and CDC urge vigilance as outbreaks remain prevalent in congregate settings during cooler months.
The outbreak left 60 passengers and crew members ill, the fourth such incident since December. Those who were impacted reported experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, however Holland America promised that the incidents were “mostly mild and quickly resolved.
” A representative praised the cruise line’s prompt response, stating, “We implemented improved sanitation procedures in collaboration with the CDC, which included ongoing disinfection and isolating sick people.”
After outbreaks on the Eurodam, Rotterdam, and Zuiderdam ships in early December, this is the fourth norovirus outbreak on Holland America ships. Recent occurrences have also been reported by other cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises and Cunard.
According to Dr. Dean Winslow of Stanford Medicine, norovirus epidemics frequently happen in public places where people frequently eat and drink, such as cruise ships, colleges, and assisted living facilities.
This year, the CDC has recorded three outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships, the majority of which have been traced back to norovirus.
In order to lower the risk of illness, specialists advise frequent handwashing and staying hydrated, as outbreaks tend to peak during cooler months. As the Volendam trip proceeds, Holland America is steadfast in its commitment to protecting its passengers and staff.
