Maritime Accident News

Holland America Ship Experiences Outbreak

A new Holland America cruise ship has been reported as experiencing an outbreak of a yet-to-be-determined gastrointestinal disease (gastroenteritis). The affected ship, the Nieuw Amsterdam, is Holland America’s newest cruise liner.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak occurred onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam during a transatlantic voyage, which began on October 18, 2010, and ended in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) indicated that many passengers, as well as several crewmembers experienced symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea.

There were 2027 passengers and 873 crewmembers onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam during the transatlantic voyage. One hundred and twenty-three passengers and four crewmembers were reported as suffering symptoms.

The CDC has collected stool samples from at least 7 people onboard the vessel. The samples have been sent to the CDC lab for identification of the causative agent.

In most cases, shipboard gastroenteritis is caused by a group of viruses known as Noroviruses. Common symptoms associated with Noroviruses include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, fevers, chills, headaches, muscle aches, nausea and fatigue. The illness generally lasts between 1 to 2 days.

According to reports, similar outbreaks have been seen on other cruise liners, such as Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Cunard and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, in 2010.

All cruisers are strongly encouraged to wash their hands frequently when onboard a cruise ship. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is also strongly recommended.

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