United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Suspected norovirus outbreak sickens dozens on HAL ship
Dozens have been sickened by a gastro bug on Holland America’s Zaandam during its current Alaska voyage.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 58 passengers and 15 crew members have contracted norovirus-like symptoms which include vomiting and diarrhea.
The cruise line confirmed a gastrointestinal outbreak and has initiated intensive cleaning and disinfection which is being monitored by the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program.
Initial testing using norovirus rapid test kits were negative for norovirus, the CDC said, but additional testing will take place at the agency’s headquarters.
The line noted a number of passengers began feeling ill last Monday who were then isolated in their cabins.
"The safety and well-being of our guests and crew is our top priority," HAL said in a statement.
It is the sixth norovirus infected cruise this year according to CDC data which is generally in line with the numbers in previous years.
It is also the second in Alaska after 36 people on cruise ship Silver Shadow fell ill last month.
The ship has several more scheduled calls including Anchorage and Sitka before passengers disembark at Seattle on July 2.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel