Demand for cruises appears undimmed despite hantavirus and other onboard outbreaks
Summary
Recent outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus on cruise ships have caused passenger illness and deaths, but the cruise industry expects more people to travel by cruise this year than before. Experts and travelers say these outbreaks have not reduced enthusiasm for cruises, which remain popular worldwide.Key Facts
- Three passengers died from hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius after it stopped in Argentina.
- A norovirus outbreak occurred on the British cruise ship Ambition, docked in Bordeaux, France.
- Despite these outbreaks, the Cruise Lines International Association forecasts 38.3 million cruise passengers worldwide in 2026, up 4% from last year's 37.2 million.
- Major cruise companies like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival did not comment on how outbreaks affect bookings.
- The company owning MV Hondius, Oceanwide Expeditions, plans to continue normal operations and has a cruise scheduled from Iceland on May 29.
- Some experienced cruise travelers say they are not changing their plans and believe cruising is as safe as other holidays if health advice is followed.
- Industry experts say travelers see outbreaks as isolated and not unique to cruises.
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