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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026