Cruise virus outbreaks are drawing renewed attention following the recent hantavirus incident, highlighting concerns around health risks at sea.
Earlier this month, a hantavirus outbreak was reported among passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Canary Islands via Cabo Verde. Of 147 passengers and crew, three passengers died while others fell ill.
In 2025, the US Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program recorded 23 gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships within its jurisdiction, with norovirus the most common illness. This is an increase from the 18 cases reported in 2024.
So far in 2026, four outbreaks have been recorded, alongside the Hantavirus incident, which is outside CDC jurisdiction. They include two norovirus cases on Princess Cruises ships and two E.coli cases – one on an Oceania ship and the other on Regent Seven Seas.
“Many gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus are introduced to the cruise ships by passengers returning from ports of call where they may have consumed contaminated food or water,” said Charmaine Lawrenson of Dream Destination.
Traveller concerns
The recent hantavirus outbreak has sparked some concern, with a Travel News poll revealing that more than 40% of cruise clients were expressing concerns about hantavirus and similar outbreaks on cruise ships.
“Some clients have concerns about cruise travel given the recent news but there have been no cancellations. This is an isolated incident and the first of its kind on a cruise ship,” said Lawrenson.
Chrissa Karanastasis, Luxury Cruise and Travel Specialist of The Travel Concierge, said those expressing concerns for future cruises were unaware of the mostly safe cruising environment.
“They don’t understand that this particular virus started by two passengers going ashore in Argentina. It does not mean ships will now be filled with this virus and it does not mean people have stopped booking and going on cruises,” said Karanastasis.
Travel continues
Despite the recent outbreaks, travel demand remains steady, however travellers are advised to remain vigilant.
“Health authorities emphasise that the overall risk to the global population remains low and, while media coverage may bring attention to health issues, it's essential to remain informed and vigilant,” said Lawrenson.
She said cruise lines had long-established, rigorous protocols for managing health-related incidents, which have been enhanced since COVID-19 to ensure the highest standards of sanitation and hygiene.
Karanastasis said she continued to receive cruise bookings. “In one week, I have had three different couples booking and paying for cruises in July and September. Not once did they ask me if the virus was going to be a problem.”
Insurance
Insurance policies are available to cover cruise outbreaks. If a client falls ill due to a virus while cruising, Santam Travel Insurance offers cover for emergency medical and related expenses. Assistance is coordinated at the nearest port and isolation or quarantine expenses are covered, subject to policy benefits.
Hollard Travel policies are structured to support travellers who become ill while cruising, provided it is not excluded under the policy. “Our policy position is clear: except for COVID‑19, cover does not apply only once a disease has been formally declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization,” said Hollard Travel.
So far, hantavirus has not been declared a PHEIC outbreak and Hollard Travel cover would respond as normal, in accordance with conditions of the policy.
According to Bryte, the following policy benefits may apply:
- Emergency medical and related expenses: If a traveller unexpectedly falls ill, cover may apply for necessary emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and medical evacuation.
- Infectious or contagious disease tests and quarantine: If a traveller tests positive for an infectious or contagious disease, the policy may cover the cost of testing, quarantine and certain flight penalties.
- Cruise cover: Where cruise cover is included, benefits may apply for cruise‑specific disruptions such as medically required cabin confinement and cancellation of prepaid shore excursions due to illness.
“It is important to note that travel insurance does not provide cover for cancellation or non‑travel based on fear, heightened concern or media reporting, and benefits apply only when the policy conditions are met and an insured event has occurred during the journey,” said Bryte.
Travellers are encouraged to stay informed and to review their insurance and policy wording to understand what cover applies to their individual travel plans.
