No matter how much you plan, sometimes things can still go wrong on your vacation. And, more than 100 passengers and crew members on a Holland America cruise ship recently found that out firsthand.
©Holland America
According to Fox 13, the cruise ship that sailed out of Port Everglades, Florida, has been hit with the highly contagious norovirus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 107 passengers and 12 crew members onboard Holland America’s MS Rotterdam have contracted norovirus — and that the number could still be growing.
©Holland America
The ship embarked on a 12-day voyage from Port Everglades on February 2nd. In total, there are 2,614 passengers and 969 crew members on the ship. Holland America has told the CDC that it is increasing cleaning and disinfecting while isolating the infected passengers and crew to help further the spread.
©Holland America
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen norovirus plague cruise ships — and even this ship, as back in December more than 300 people contracted the virus on three different vessels. Those who got sick back then were on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess on a trip around Hawaii, as well as Holland America’s Rotterdam and Zuiderdam cruises.
In 2025, seven cruise ships sailing out of the U.S. have reported outbreaks of illness to the CDC so far. Royal Caribbean reported the spread of a “gastrointestinal illness” onboard the Radiance of the Seas, which sailed out of Tampa.
Royal Caribbean — Enchantment of the Seas (Left) and Mariner of the Seass (Right)
“Norovirus can be especially challenging to control on cruise ships because of the close living quarters, shared dining areas and rapid turnover of passengers,” the CDC website states. “When the ship docks, norovirus can be brought on board in contaminated food or water; or by passengers who were infected while ashore.”
©Holland America
With norovirus being so contagious, you might want to know what to do to protect yourself on a cruise. One easy preventative measure is to wash your hands often, including after using the toilet and changing diapers, before eating or handling food, and before giving yourself or someone else any medication. One thing you’ll need to note is that hand sanitizer does not do a great job of preventing norovirus, so you’ll want to use soap and water when you can.
©Holland America
We’ll continue to keep an eye on these norovirus outbreaks and let you know of any other potential cases that could impact your next vacation. In the meantime, stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel news and more!
Norovirus Cases on the Rise on Cruise Ships. Here’s How To Protect Yourself
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Have you ever gotten sick on a cruise? Tell us in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Disney doesn’t want you to know it, but I personally witnessed an outbreak of norovirus on the Disney Fantasy within the last month.