Demand for cruises appears undimmed despite hantavirus and other onboard outbreaks

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"Recent outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus on cruise ships are making headlines, but they're unlikely to dim the growing popularity of vacation cruises, according to industry representatives and travel experts. In fact, many within the industry still expect a record number of people worldwide to take cruises this year despite three passengers aboard the MV Hondius dying from hantavirus after the ship stopped in Argentina and a recent norovirus outbreak aboard a British ship docked in Bordeaux, France."

"In mid-April, an annual forecast by the Cruise Lines International Association, an industry trade group, estimated that 38.3 million people would travel on ocean-going ships this year, 4% more from a record 37.2 million passengers last year. Industrywide sales figures are closely held. Asked about potential impacts from what happened aboard the MV Hondius, the trade a"

The Independent emphasizes sending journalists to report on developing issues and separating facts from messaging, including coverage of reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. It highlights trust across political viewpoints and states that reporting and analysis are not restricted by paywalls. Cruise industry representatives and travel experts say recent hantavirus and norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are unlikely to reduce vacation cruise popularity. Three passengers aboard the MV Hondius died after the ship stopped in Argentina, and a norovirus outbreak occurred on a British ship docked in Bordeaux, France. The Cruise Lines International Association forecast estimates 38.3 million ocean-going cruise passengers this year, up 4% from 37.2 million last year.

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