Cruise Ship Hit by Suspected Norovirus Outbreak

Nearly 80 passengers and crew members fell ill on Holland America's Westerdam cruise ship during a visit to Hong Kong.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Nearly 80 people fell ill with a suspected norovirus outbreak on the Holland America cruise ship Westerdam during a visit to Hong Kong in March 2026. Among the approximately 2,800 passengers on board, 65 guests and 11 crew members developed symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, including diarrhea, vomiting and fever. The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection boarded the ship to investigate, and testing found that seven patients tested positive for norovirus.

Why it matters

Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are not uncommon, but this incident highlights the potential health risks and disruptions that can occur when a large number of passengers and crew fall ill during a voyage. The outbreak prompted enhanced sanitation procedures and deep cleaning of the ship, as well as concerns about the training of cleaning staff and the need for vigilance around personal and environmental hygiene on cruise ships.

The details

The Westerdam ship had calls at ports including Japan, Busan in Korea, and Shanghai on the Chinese Mainland prior to the outbreak in Hong Kong. The two passengers who fell ill first boarded the cruise ship in Japan on Feb. 15 and developed symptoms on the same day, with other individuals subsequently affected. The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection boarded the ship, briefed affected individuals and the operator on health advice and necessary infection control measures, and suggested the cruise line enhance training for the cleaning staff.

  • On March 1, the Centre for Health Protection boarded the Westerdam ship to investigate the outbreak in Hong Kong.
  • The two passengers who fell ill first boarded the cruise ship in Japan on Feb. 15 and developed symptoms on the same day.

The players

Holland America

The cruise line that operates the Westerdam ship, which experienced the suspected norovirus outbreak.

Centre for Health Protection (CHP)

The Hong Kong government agency that boarded the Westerdam ship to investigate the outbreak and provide health advice and infection control measures.

Dr. Edwin Tsui

The controller of the Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong who provided guidance on the outbreak.

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What they’re saying

“During the previous voyage of Westerdam from Yokohama, Japan to Hong Kong, a number of guests reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. The cases were mostly mild and quickly resolving. As a precaution and consistent with our standard protocols, we implemented enhanced sanitation procedures and conducted additional deep cleaning when the ship completed its sailing in Hong Kong.”

— Holland America (Fox News)

“After inspecting the cruise ship, the CHP personnel briefed the affected individuals and the operator on health advice and necessary infection control measures, including thorough disinfection … and attention to personal and environmental hygiene.”

— Dr. Edwin Tsui, Controller, Centre for Health Protection (Hong Kong government press release)

“Given the current high activity levels of norovirus ... I urge cross-border cruise passengers and operators to pay special attention to personal, food and environmental hygiene to safeguard individual health and public health.”

— Dr. Edwin Tsui, Controller, Centre for Health Protection (Hong Kong government press release)

What’s next

Once authorities made sure the Westerdam vessel had undergone detailed cleaning and disinfection, and the hygiene conditions were viewed as satisfactory, new passengers and crew were allowed to board the cruise ship, which then departed Hong Kong for the Philippines.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges cruise lines face in preventing and containing norovirus outbreaks, which can significantly disrupt voyages and impact passenger health. It underscores the importance of strict sanitation protocols, crew training, and vigilance around personal and environmental hygiene to protect the health of cruise ship passengers and crew.