Holland America Line’s Westerdam is dealing with a confirmed norovirus outbreak midway through a 28-night Asia cruise, prompting Hong Kong health officials to board the ship and conduct a full investigation when it docked at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on March 1.
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) first received notification from the cruise operator on Friday evening, February 27, indicating that passengers and crew aboard the vessel were suspected of having contracted norovirus while still en route to Hong Kong.
Officials convened a meeting with relevant government departments the following day to assess risks and coordinate a response before the ship arrived.
What Passengers on Westerdam Are Experiencing
A total of 76 people have been affected since the voyage departed Tokyo on February 15, including 65 passengers and 11 crew members.
The two passengers who fell ill first boarded the ship in Japan on February 15 and developed symptoms that same day, with additional cases accumulating gradually over the two-week sailing. Cases ranged in age from 24 to 92, with 38 men and 38 women split evenly.
Reported symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Investigators noted incidents of vomiting in public areas of the ship.
According to the ship’s doctor, the vast majority of patients experienced mild symptoms and remained clinically stable. When Westerdam arrived in Hong Kong, only three individuals still had mild symptoms, and none required hospitalization.
How Hong Kong Officials Responded
Upon arrival, CHP officials conducted an epidemiological investigation and environmental inspection. A temporary medical station was set up at the terminal to assess passengers before they disembarked.
Once guests were ashore, the ship underwent comprehensive cleaning and disinfection.
With approximately 2,000 guests onboard, the roughly 3% passenger infection rate, while notable, is consistent with typical norovirus outbreaks in group settings.
The virus is easily transmitted through contaminated surfaces, food, and contact with infected individuals. Most people recover within one to three days without medical intervention.
The ship departed Hong Kong for the Philippines on the evening of March 1. CHP has notified health authorities in the Philippines of the incident and the containment measures taken.
Westerdam is scheduled to call at Palawan Island on March 4, Boracay Island on March 5, and Manila on March 6, before continuing to ports in Taiwan and Japan and returning to Tokyo on March 15.
Holland America Line has not announced any changes to the itinerary.
