Cruise demand hits record highs despite hantavirus and norovirus health scares
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Recent outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus on cruise ships have attracted great attention, but many travelers do not seem to be changing their holiday plans as a result.
Cruise industry experts say demand remains strong as we head into the busy summer travel season, despite recent cases of the disease reported on multiple ships.
According to The Associated Press, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) estimated that more than 38 million people worldwide would take ocean cruises last year. This figure was last year’s record 37.2 million passengers.
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Some travelers say health concerns aren’t enough to deter them from booking future trips.
“I have eight cruises booked and will definitely book another,” cruise blogger Jenni Fielding told the AP.
Despite recent disease outbreaks on cruise ships, passenger demand remains strong ahead of summer, according to industry sources. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group)
Fielding said cruise holidays remain as safe as other types of travel if passengers follow health guidance and stay informed of official updates.
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The continued demand comes even after three passengers aboard the MV Hondius died following a hantavirus outbreak linked to a stop in Argentina.
Fox News Digital also recently reported a norovirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess that sickened more than 100 passengers and crew.
“We haven’t seen any decline in demand.”
CruiseCompete CEO Bob Levinstein told the AP that bookings through the company were up more than 30% in the first half of May compared with the same period last year.
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“I would say categorically that we haven’t seen any decline in demand,” Levinstein said. he said.
Pictured is the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was linked to a hantavirus outbreak in Argentina after a stoppage that resulted in the deaths of three passengers. (Europa Press Canarias via Getty Images)
Experts say norovirus cases often receive more attention because cruise ships are required to publicly report illnesses that affect a certain percentage of passengers.
Many cruises are also booked months in advance; This makes it less likely that recent health concerns will immediately impact travel plans.
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Many cruise passengers on Reddit said they did not change their plans due to the recent outbreaks.
“I’m leaving next week. I didn’t even think about worrying about hantavirus,” one user wrote.
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“Going to Alaska next month, not worried at all,” another commenter added. “[Norovirus] “It is more likely and this risk is understood.”
“It doesn’t cross my mind at all. Keep going!” one person wrote.
Cruise outbreaks are getting more attention because of public reporting rules, but many passengers still plan to sail as booked, experts say. (Myloupe/Universal Images Group)
Fox News Digital has previously reported that some cruise passengers have raised questions about what protections they have during health emergencies and outbreaks at sea.
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While voluntary passenger protections exist at cruise lines, policies can vary depending on the situation and the cruise operator involved, industry experts said.
Fox News Digital’s Brittany Miller and Jessica Mekles and the Associated Press contributed reporting.
