Recently, outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus on cruise ships have sparked considerable media coverage. However, many vacationers seem undeterred, continuing with their travel plans.
Experts in the cruise industry report that demand remains robust as the summer season approaches, even in light of recent incidents on various vessels.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has projected that over 38 million people will embark on ocean cruises globally this year, exceeding last year’s record of 37.2 million passengers, according to data from the Associated Press.
Though some travelers express concerns about health risks, others remain committed to their future bookings. For instance, cruise blogger Jenny Fielding noted, “I have eight cruises booked and I’m definitely going to book one more,” highlighting a sentiment that isn’t uncommon among enthusiasts.
Fielding remarked that traveling by cruise is about as safe as any other form of travel, assuming passengers adhere to health recommendations and stay informed about developments.
Even after three passengers died aboard the MV Hondius due to a hantavirus outbreak linked to a visit in Argentina, interest in cruise vacations remains steady.
On another note, a recent norovirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess affected over a hundred passengers and crew. Yet, Bob Levinstein, CEO of CruiseCompete, stated that there hasn’t been a noticeable decline in demand, with bookings through his platform increasing by over 30% in early May compared to the same time last year. “We don’t see any reduction in demand,” he affirmed.
Interestingly, norovirus cases often garner attention because cruise lines have to report illnesses that affect a considerable percentage of their passengers. Many individuals book cruises months in advance, so recent health concerns are likely to have little immediate effect on travel plans.
A look at discussions on Reddit revealed that many cruise-goers aren’t adjusting their plans in light of the recent outbreaks. One user shared, “I’m leaving next week. I never thought to worry about hantavirus,” while another expressed confidence saying, “I’m going to Alaska next month and I’m not worried at all.” A third user simply added, “That never crosses my mind. Cruise!”
While some passengers are starting to question what safety measures are in place in the event of a health emergency at sea, industry insiders suggest that cruise lines are actively working to protect passengers, even though specific policies may differ depending on the cruise line and particular situation.
