The recent outbreak of hantavirus on a polar expedition vessel has put the hygiene of cruise lines under scrutiny, but passengers should take comfort in the fact that such cases are exceptionally rare. At least three people have died aboard Oceanwide Expeditions’ MV Hondius, which began a remote voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde on 1 April, carrying 147 passengers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed a total of 11 hantavirus cases from the cruise ship so far, with nine identified as the Andes strain.
What happened on the MV Hondius?
Three individuals were medically evacuated in Cape Verde on 6 May, followed by a mass repatriation from Tenerife earlier this week. This included 20 British passengers who arrived at an isolation facility after their repatriation flight landed in the UK on Sunday. Oceanwide Expeditions reported that 27 individuals remain on board—25 crew and two medical staff—none of whom are displaying symptoms associated with hantavirus. The vessel is expected to arrive in Rotterdam on either Sunday 17 or Monday 18 May, after which all crew will disembark and follow quarantine procedures outlined by Dutch authorities.
The incident has revived memories of how cruise ships were affected by the coronavirus pandemic, though this situation is far more unusual. A statement from the Expedition Cruise Network emphasised that ships undergo strict biosecurity measures. “Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and families affected,” it said. “As a member of the Expedition Cruise Network, Oceanwide Expeditions has our full support as they manage this situation.”
Can you catch hantavirus on a cruise ship?
Despite the high-profile coverage, hantavirus cases are rare. In fact, there are no other known instances of hantavirus being present on a cruise ship, so passengers should not be deterred. Hantavirus is primarily spread through contact with rodents or their urine, saliva, or droppings, particularly when the material is disturbed and becomes airborne, posing a risk of inhalation. The WHO notes that while uncommon, hantaviruses may spread between people. It remains unclear whether the outbreak began on board or during an excursion, but the Andes strain identified is typically found in parts of South America, especially Argentina and Chile. The cruise started in Ushuaia, Argentina, and passengers visited remote locations including Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island.
Aside from this case, there is no public data on hantavirus outbreaks on other cruise ships. A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) stated: “The global cruise industry maintains comprehensive health, sanitation and medical protocols designed to protect the health and well-being of passengers and crew, and CLIA-member cruise lines are required to adhere to policies that go well beyond regulatory requirements.”
How common is norovirus on cruise ships?
While no known hantavirus cases exist on other cruise lines, stomach bugs and norovirus are more common concerns. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus causing acute gastroenteritis, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach pain. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 23 norovirus cases on cruise ships in 2025. However, these figures only cover ships visiting American ports, so actual numbers are likely higher. With 30 million yearly passengers worldwide, the risk of becoming unwell remains minimal. CDC data suggests passengers are more likely to fall ill on land, with gastrointestinal issues occurring at a rate of one in 5,500 at sea—accounting for about one per cent of all cases.
Will you get ill on a cruise?
Given that thousands of people congregate in a confined space, it is understandable that illnesses can occur on cruises. This perception was amplified during the pandemic when coronavirus cases escalated among hundreds of passengers on the Diamond Princess, leading to a two-week quarantine in Japan. Negative media portrayals, such as HBO’s The Last Cruise documentary, have also contributed to concerns. However, CDC data indicates that the most common settings for gastrointestinal illnesses are healthcare facilities, followed by restaurants or catered events, schools, and day care centres. Nicky Kelvin, editor at large of travel tips website The Points Guy, explained: “Passengers are not highly likely to become sick from hygiene-related causes on a cruise due to high standards of cleanliness, as well as rigorous inspections which have been implemented since 1970. Concerns about norovirus on cruises are a result of ships being required to report all cases of norovirus to authorities, compared with schools or nursing homes where norovirus is rampant but do not require reports.”
How clean are cruise ships?
Cruise lines adhere to the International Health Regulations of the WHO and the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). Requirements include passengers completing health questionnaires before boarding. Cruise ships must provide health declarations detailing illnesses of individuals on board to port authorities prior to docking. Every cruise ship undergoes multiple inspections each year—both announced and unannounced—to enforce strict environmental and safety regulations. Under the VSP, ships must score 86 out of 100 points to pass, covering cleanliness of cabins, galleys, dining rooms, swimming pools, and kids’ clubs. To comply, cruise ships are routinely cleaned, with crew regularly sanitising surfaces such as tables, handrails, door handles, and taps. Passengers are reminded to wash their hands when entering buffets and restaurants, and hand sanitisers are readily available in public locations. CLIA members also follow guidelines requiring at least one qualified medical professional permanently available for medical bay visits or cabin “house calls.” CLIA managing director Andy Harmer said: “The cruise industry’s first priority is the health and safety of passengers, crew and the communities that we visit. Thanks to robust and rigorous protocols that cruise lines have put in place, cruise is one of the safest forms of travel. From cleaning practices that are often unparalleled in other settings to passenger screenings, cruise lines take extensive measures to keep their guests healthy.”
What happens when there is an outbreak on a cruise?
If a passenger contracts norovirus or other contagious illnesses, they are typically quarantined in their cabin to prevent further spread. Jenni Fielding, who runs the Cruise Mummy blog, noted that the situation can change rapidly during an outbreak. She said: “I’ve experienced this on about 10 per cent of my cruises. When it happens, things like salt and pepper shakers disappear, replaced by individual sachets. You won’t be allowed to serve your own drinks in the buffet; crew members will do it for you. You’ll also see crew with buckets of disinfectant, scrubbing every surface between guests. If you do get sick, you’ll be ordered to stay in your cabin until you’ve been symptom-free for 24 hours—and don’t worry, room service is free.” To prevent illness, she advises avoiding touching handrails unless necessary and pressing elevator buttons with your knuckles. “Little things like this help reduce the risk of catching anything,” she added. “Since the pandemic, new cruise ships have been designed with extra hygiene measures. Every restaurant now has handwashing sinks at the entrance, and some even have automatic hand-washing machines. Many cruise lines are also moving away from self-service buffets, with crew members plating up food instead. When Covid first hit, the idea of people being stuck on ships made for dramatic headlines. But that doesn’t mean you’re more likely to catch illnesses on a cruise ship. I’ve never stayed in a hotel or eaten in a restaurant where someone ensures every single person has clean hands before entering. On a cruise ship, that’s just standard practice.”
This piece is kept updated with the latest information.
