Norovirus Outbreak Strikes Cruise Ship Docked in Fort Lauderdale

A Holland America Line cruise ship, Rotterdam, docked at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Friday following a norovirus outbreak that sickened over 150 passengers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The ship carried 2,614 passengers and 969 crew members on a 12-day journey through the Caribbean, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica after departing Florida on February 2. The outbreak, affecting 152 passengers and 17 crew members, was reported to the CDC on February 7. This marks the fourth cruise-related norovirus outbreak this year, following a similar incident on a Royal Caribbean vessel from Tampa.

Norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness, causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headaches, and muscle pain. The exact cause of the outbreak remains unknown.

In response, Holland America Line and the ship’s crew implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection measures, isolated sick individuals, and worked with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Stool samples were also collected for testing.

Authorities continue investigating, while passengers share their experiences with local news outlets.