Cruise Outbreaks Raise Concerns, Experts See Quick Recovery

Two recent outbreaks on cruise ships, including a deadly hantavirus incident on an Antarctica-bound vessel and a norovirus case that halted operations at a French port, have sparked health concerns among travelers, though industry experts anticipate a swift return to normal bookings.

The MV Hondius, an adventure cruise ship headed to Antarctica, was locked down after a hantavirus outbreak sickened 11 passengers and crew members, three of whom died. Experts described the event as rare. Separately, dozens fell ill with norovirus aboard the Ambition, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line. The British ship was temporarily barred from allowing passengers to disembark at a port in France. Ambassador Cruise Line stated that healthy passengers were permitted to leave on Thursday and that the vessel would resume its itinerary the following day. Global Affairs Canada confirmed three Canadians were on board, none reported ill.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 22 outbreaks last year on cruise ships under its Vessel Sanitation Program, which monitors vessels carrying more than 13 passengers that dock in the United States and at least one foreign port. Most involved...