Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Westerdam

**Title: Investigation Underway for Norovirus Cases on Holland America’s ‘Westerdam’** In a recent health alert, the ‘Westerdam’, a Holland America Line cruise ship currently navigating a 28-night voyage from Tokyo, Japan, welcomed health officials from Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on March 1, 2026. The visit was prompted by concerns regarding a potential norovirus outbreak, with a total of 76 cases reported thus far among passengers and crew. The cases, which include 65 guests and 11 crew members, span a wide age range from 24 to 92 years old, with an equal distribution of 38 men and 38 women affected. This represents approximately 3% of the 2,000 guests aboard and about 1% of the crew. Primary symptoms reported by those infected include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever—common indicators of norovirus. Thankfully, none of the individuals have required hospitalization or significant medical intervention. Initial testing has confirmed norovirus as the source of the illness, with further examinations currently in progress. Upon the ship's arrival in Hong Kong around 4 a.m., local health authorities, accompanied by medical professionals, conducted a thorough inspection, particularly focusing on food hygiene practices. To ensure passenger safety, a temporary medical station was established at the cruise terminal for health assessments. During the disembarkation of guests, extensive cleaning and disinfection measures were implemented onboard to curtail the risk of further transmission. Health officials from the CHP engaged with the individuals affected, providing essential health advice and infection control protocols, including rigorous sanitization practices, proper handling of vomit, and guidance on personal and environmental hygiene. Additionally, detailed information regarding norovirus has been shared with incoming passengers and crew, urging anyone experiencing related symptoms to seek immediate medical assistance. As a precaution, the Hong Kong CHP has also informed health authorities in the Philippines about the situation and the proactive measures taken to address the outbreak. The health and safety of all individuals onboard remains the top priority as the investigation continues.

The US Coast Guard medevaced a 73-year-old woman from the 'Westerdam' near Port Angeles on Oct 3, 2022. Watchstanders at the 13th Coast Guard District Command Center in Seattle received a medical evacuation request from the cruise ship of a passenger with symptoms of a mild cardiac infarction approximately 46 miles west of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Due to low visibility, watchstanders directed the 'Westerdam' to continue towards Port Angeles to conduct the hoist. At 8:50 a.m., a Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew arrived on scene. The patient was transferred to emergency medical services at approximately 10 a.m.

The 'Westerdam' arrived on March 16 in Honolulu and moored at Pier 2. She was scheduled to depart at 5 p.m. on March 17 and headed to San Francisco with an ETA as of March 24. There were no passengers aboard the ship which left Manila on March 2, but its crew disembarked in Honolulu. None of the previous passengers or crew have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The onboard doctor screened the crew members before they were released. The Coast Guard, the state and DOT Harbors Division were working with the cruise line and the ship’s crew to provide necessary services and to resupply it. The Westerdam crew had not left the ship since Feb. 26 so she was at sea longer than the 14-day incubation period before arriving in Hawaii. The 'Westerdam' departed Hong Kong on Feb. 1 with 1,500 passengers, who disembarked in Cambodia on Feb. 14.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) allowed the 'Westerdam' to dock at the South Harbor of Manila for re-provisioning on March 1, 2020. The ship came from Cambodia and previously had a passenger suspected to be infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The passenger has since tested negative for the virus. The vessel was allowed to dock until 8 p.m. of March 2, but may already leave hours early once they finish with their re-provisioning and possibly refueling. The only people on the 'Westerdam' when it docked at Pier 15 of South Harbor were its 747 crew. There were no passengers on board. More than 200 of them were Filipinos, who were disappointed because none of the crew were given shore leave or clearance to disembark from the vessel. The ship arrived from Cambodia on March 1 after being rejected by several ports in other countries with a report that one of the ship’s passengers was allegedly infected with COVID-19. However, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official told that all passengers were tested, including the person who initially tested positive, and were found negative for the coronavirus. The person may have only suffered a respiratory illness unrelated to COVID-19. The 'Westerdam' then continued to Manila for re-provisioning and refueling before it resumes its voyage to Hawaii.