Officials Board Cruise Ship in Hong Kong After 76 People Get Sick
Key Aspects:
A norovirus outbreak has been confirmed aboard Westerdam midway through a 28-night Asia itinerary.
A total of 76 cases have been reported so far, including 65 guests and 11 crew members.
There has been no change to the ship’s itinerary and enhanced cleaning and sanitation measures are being used.
Holland America Line’s Westerdam is in the middle of an amazing 28-night itinerary that departed from Tokyo, Japan on February 15, 2026, but the sailing has been far from idyllic for dozens of passengers.
As the ship briefly visited Hong Kong on March 1, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) from Hong Kong’s Department of Health was called to investigate what is believed to be a norovirus outbreak. Thus far, 76 individual cases have been reported, including 65 guests and 11 crew members.
Of those infected, ages ranged between 24 and 92, with cases split evenly between 38 men and 38 women.
The Vista-class Westerdam can welcome up to 1,964 guests at double occupancy and nearly 2,600 when fully booked, plus her approximately 800 crew members. CHP reports that approximately 2,000 guests are currently onboard, which means that just about 3% of guests and 1% of crew members are infected.
The primary symptoms have been vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, which is consistent with the suspicion of norovirus. No individuals have required any significant medical intervention or hospitalization.
Preliminary testing did confirm norovirus as the cause of the illness. Further testing is still ongoing.
When Westerdam arrived in Hong Kong at roughly 4 a.m., local health authorities and medical staff inspected the vessel, including food hygiene practices. A temporary medical station was set up in the cruise terminal for passenger health assessments.
While guests were off the vessel, thorough cleaning and disinfecting took place to help minimize any further spread or contamination.
“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, proper handling of vomit, and attention to personal and environmental hygiene,” said Dr. Edwin Tsui.
“Additionally, the CHP personnel provided detailed information about norovirus to arriving passengers and crew, advising them to seek medical attention promptly if they develop related symptoms.”
Hong Kong CHP officials also notified health authorities in the Philippines of the incident and the measures that have already been taken to minimize the outbreak.
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This will help ensure the ship’s next destination, Palawan Island in the Philippines on Wednesday, March 4, can make further assessments if needed. Westerdam will also call at Boracay Island on March 5, followed by Manila on March 6.
Further destinations on the itinerary include ports in Taiwan and Japan before the ship returns to Tokyo on Sunday, March 15 for debarkation. At this time, there are no anticipated changes to the schedule or port visits.
Not Everyone Is Sick at Once
To be clear, while having 76 people ill with gastroenteritis symptoms can be concerning, not all cases have been reported simultaneously.
The first two cases were actually reported the day Westerdam set sail on the current cruise, with other cases reported throughout the past two weeks. At the time the ship arrived in Hong Kong, just three individuals were experiencing minor symptoms.
Norovirus is transmitted very easily, primarily through contaminated surfaces or food. Most people who experience symptoms recover without significant intervention within 1-3 days.
Outbreaks are very common on cruise ships and other crowded settings, including schools, hotels, and care facilities.
Cruise Hive has often reported on different outbreaks, most recently aboard Seven Seas Mariner in January 2026, as well as Rotterdam, also in January. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus and thorough handwashing is best.
Infected individuals can also continue to spread norovirus for up to two weeks after they feel better, making it difficult to control outbreaks.
Officials Board Cruise Ship in Hong Kong After 76 People Get Sick