Discover the Noordam: Ratings & Maritime News

On January 18, 2026, approximately 700 passengers aboard the cruise ship 'Noordan' faced an unexpected delay during their excursion on Kiriwina Island due to a sudden wind squall. The storm, packing winds of up to 40 knots, rendered boat maneuvers perilous, stranding travelers on the island. Several tender vessels struggled in the rough seas for over 90 minutes before the fierce winds, which even tossed deck chairs across the ship, finally calmed. This incident highlights the challenges that nature can pose to maritime operations and the importance of safety during excursions.

In a heartbreaking incident on November 6, 2024, a 71-year-old Australian passenger aboard the cruise ship 'Noordam' lost his life while swimming near the beautiful shores of Boracay Island. At approximately 10:30 a.m., witnesses reported that the man began to struggle in the waters near Cagban Jetty Port, located only about 10 meters from the shore, before calling out for assistance. Despite efforts to rescue him, emergency services found him unresponsive as they pulled him from the water. He was quickly transported to Ciriaco S. Tirol Hospital, where medical personnel sadly confirmed his passing. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of swimming in unfamiliar waters.

In a distressing turn of events, four Indian crew members aboard the cruise ship 'Noordam' have commenced a hunger strike after their scheduled repatriation flight was unexpectedly cancelled on June 20, 2020. These sailors have been trapped at sea for over 90 days, yearning to return home. The cancellation came amidst a surge in incoming flights to Mumbai airport during June 20-26, which raised concerns about overwhelming local quarantine facilities. The plight of these crew members underscores the ongoing challenges faced by maritime workers during the pandemic.

On September 7, 2019, an aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, stationed in Cordova, conducted a medical evacuation involving a passenger aboard the cruise ship 'Noordam.' The ship was located about 125 nautical miles southeast of Cordova when the distress call was made due to the 72-year-old male passenger experiencing severe chest pains. The quick response team utilized an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to hoist both the passenger and the ship's nurse before safely transporting them to Cordova for a seamless transfer to a Guardian Flight medical team awaiting their arrival. This operation underscores the critical role of the Coast Guard in maritime medical emergencies.