An outbreak of the potentially deadly hantavirus on an expedition ship has not dented future bookings, despite widespread media coverage, according to cruise lines and agents.
Three new cases of the virus have been confirmed among passengers who travelled on the Dutch line Ocean Expeditions’ MV Hondius, bringing the total to seven. Two further cases are suspected.
Three passengers have died, two of whom were confirmed to have contracted the virus, which is usually carried by rodents but can be transmitted to humans. The cruise ship passengers are believed to have contracted the virus in South America, where they boarded the ship.
Two British nationals are among the seven with confirmed hantavirus, and they are currently being treated in the Netherlands and South Africa.
However, Advantage Cruise Director Jonny Peat said reports of the outbreak have not dented cruise bookings.
“Obviously we’re keeping an eye on that, it’s really hit the news but so far it has not affected sales,” said Jonny.
“We’ve spoken to multiple members and they’re not having clients that are proactively asking any questions about it. Right now that isn’t a concern.”
Mundy Cruising Managing Director Edwina Lonsdale said potential new cruise clients had raised concerns, but existing customers appeared unworried.
“We are getting the occasional comment from potential new-to-cruise, not from existing customers, so the casual throwaway remark, usually to reinforce an already held misconception,” said Edwina.
“Overall bookings are still very strong, in particular for expeditions, and those clients spend a lot of time researching and understanding in partnership with our expert consultants.”
She said the international and UK health bodies have indicated ‘minimal risk’ to people who were not in direct, long-term contact with those who contracted the virus.
Expedition Cruise Network CEO Akvile Marozaite said the reaction from the cruise sector had been ‘quite measured’.
“Customers who are drawn to expedition cruising tend to be well-informed travellers, so I have not seen widespread panic or dramatic shifts in sentiment at this stage,” she said.
“I believe the expedition market is relatively resilient when it comes to isolated incidents.
“Expedition travellers are typically motivated by exploration, adventure and meaningful experiences, and they also tend to be educated, well-informed travellers who are not easily swayed by sensational or clickbait-style headlines.
“Many understand that expedition cruising operates in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments, where operators work under extremely strict regulations and safety procedures.
“There may be some short-term media attention and hesitation from those unfamiliar with the sector, but historically, expedition cruising has recovered strongly from isolated events because the demand for these experiences remains exceptionally high.
“People continue to be drawn to the opportunity to explore destinations that few others ever reach, and that sense of curiosity and discovery is unlikely to disappear.”
Exploration line PONANT said it ‘remains vigilant’ and continues to apply ‘strict protocols’, including a permanent integrated pest management plan to prevent pests such as rodents.
“In line with international medical authorities, no additional measures are required at this stage,” it added, pointing out that the Antarctica season has now ended for 2026.
