Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Westerdam

The 'Westerdam', currently on a 28-night journey that commenced from Tokyo, Japan on February 15, 2026, is under scrutiny for a possible norovirus outbreak. On March 1, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) from Hong Kong's Department of Health responded to reports of illness aboard the vessel. To date, a total of 76 cases have been recorded, with 65 passengers and 11 crew members affected. The age range of those infected spans from 24 to 92 years old, with an equal distribution of cases between 38 men and 38 women. Of the approximate 2,000 guests onboard, this translates to about 3% of passengers and 1% of the crew being impacted. The primary symptoms reported include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, aligning with typical manifestations of norovirus. Fortunately, no significant medical intervention or hospitalization has been required thus far, though preliminary testing has confirmed norovirus as the illness's causal agent, with further examinations ongoing. Upon the 'Westerdam's' arrival in Hong Kong at around 4 a.m., health authorities and medical personnel conducted a thorough inspection of the cruise ship, focusing on food hygiene protocols. A temporary medical station was established at the cruise terminal to conduct health assessments for passengers. During the disembarkation process, extensive cleaning and disinfection efforts were initiated to prevent additional spread or contamination. Following the assessment, CHP officials provided guidance to the affected individuals and the cruise operator regarding health advice and crucial infection control measures, which included rigorous disinfection practices and careful handling of vomit, alongside emphasizing personal and environmental hygiene. Additionally, CHP staff offered extensive information to incoming passengers and crew about norovirus, urging them to seek medical attention promptly should any related symptoms arise. The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection has also informed health authorities in the Philippines regarding the situation and the proactive measures implemented to control the outbreak.

On October 3, 2022, the US Coast Guard successfully conducted a medical evacuation of a 73-year-old female passenger aboard the Westerdam, which was located approximately 46 miles west of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The 13th Coast Guard District Command Center in Seattle received an urgent request for assistance after the woman exhibited symptoms of a mild cardiac infarction. Due to challenging low visibility conditions, Coast Guard officials instructed the Westerdam to redirect its path toward Port Angeles to facilitate the medical hoist. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles arrived at the scene at 8:50 a.m. The medical team secured the patient and she was subsequently transferred to emergency medical services around 10 a.m. This operation highlights the Coast Guard's dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals at sea.

On March 16, the cruise ship 'Westerdam' made its scheduled arrival in Honolulu, anchoring at Pier 2. The vessel is slated to depart for San Francisco on March 17 at 5 p.m., with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) set for March 24. Importantly, the Westerdam was free of passengers during this stop, having last carried travelers from Manila on March 2. The crew members disembarked in Honolulu, where they underwent health screenings conducted by the onboard physician prior to their release. Notably, both previous passengers and crew have tested negative for the COVID-19 virus. The ship’s crew had remained onboard since February 26, meaning they had been at sea for an extended period, well beyond the 14-day incubation period for the virus. The Westerdam initially set sail from Hong Kong on February 1 with 1,500 passengers, who disembarked in Cambodia on February 14. The Coast Guard, along with the state and the Department of Transportation's Harbors Division, is collaborating with the cruise line and the crew to ensure the vessel receives essential services and resupplies.

On March 1, 2020, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) permitted the cruise ship 'Westerdam' to dock at the South Harbor in Manila for much-needed re-provisioning. The vessel, which had journeyed from Cambodia, had faced scrutiny due to a passenger who was initially suspected of being infected with the COVID-19 virus. However, subsequent tests confirmed that the individual was negative for the virus. The ship is scheduled to remain docked until 8 p.m. on March 2 but may depart earlier if its re-provisioning and refueling operations are completed ahead of schedule. Notably, only the vessel's 747 crew members were aboard when it arrived at Pier 15, as all passengers had already disembarked. Among those passengers, more than 200 were Filipinos who expressed disappointment upon learning that the crew was not granted shore leave or permission to disembark. The 'Westerdam' had previously been turned away by multiple ports due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, yet health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that all passengers were tested, including the one reported to have symptoms, with results showing no COVID-19 infection. It was determined that the individual merely suffered from a respiratory illness unrelated to the virus. Following its tasks in Manila, the 'Westerdam' is set to continue its voyage toward Hawaii.