Cruises Sail On Despite Hantavirus Outbreaks
· diy
Cruises Sail On, Despite Scandals: Why Travelers Won’t Let Fear Sink Their Vacation Plans
Recent outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus on cruise ships have raised concerns about safety, but they’re unlikely to deter the millions of travelers who’ve already booked their dream vacations. According to a forecast by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 38.3 million people will take cruises this year.
Industry experts attribute the steady demand to travelers booking cruises well in advance. Those who’ve paid thousands of dollars for their vacation tend to stick with their plans, regardless of news cycles. “When you’re booking a cruise, it’s not like buying a ticket to a concert,” says Rob Kwortnik, an associate professor at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration. “You’re committing yourself to a multi-week trip, and it’s hard to get out of that commitment once you’ve paid.”
The hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius has sparked concerns about cruise ship safety, but many experts believe these incidents are isolated and not representative of the industry as a whole. Jenni Fielding, a veteran cruisegoer who blogs and posts social media videos about her experiences, says she’ll book another cruise despite the outbreak. “Cruising is as safe as any other type of holiday, provided travelers follow sensible health advice and stay aware of official guidance,” she insists.
The industry’s broad appeal across generations and income levels contributes to its popularity. A recent survey by Bank of America found that Generation Z respondents and millennials were more likely to say they planned to cruise over the next 12 months than any other age group. To attract these passengers, cruise lines have introduced shorter, more affordable itineraries.
Cruises offer a convenient and cost-effective way for travelers to see multiple destinations without breaking the bank. “On average, it costs more just to stay at a hotel in Miami than it does to sail on a cruise out of Miami,” says Kwortnik. “The cruise includes lodging, multiple destinations, food, entertainment, and transportation all in the fare.”
Despite industry optimism, concerns about safety persist. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the cruise industry, shutting down many smaller operators. While demand has rebounded since 2022, some travelers remain wary of cruises. Andrew Coggins, a cruise industry analyst and professor at Pace University’s Lubin School of Business, notes that even if travelers set to embark on a cruise soon are unnerved by the latest news, they’re unlikely to get a refund.
The recent outbreak may have brought back memories of the Diamond Princess, which was quarantined off Japan for two weeks in early 2020 after the coronavirus was detected on board. However, industry experts say these incidents are rare and that cruising remains a safe option for travelers who follow basic health guidelines.
While the hantavirus outbreak makes headlines, it’s unlikely to have a lasting impact on the industry. New ships are being built and launched well into the future – 92% of Viking’s 2026 cruises are already booked, and 38% of its 2027 cruises are filled. The cruise lines are bullish about demand growing, and they’re investing heavily in new features to keep travelers coming back for more.
The industry seems confident that concerns over safety won’t deter travelers from booking their dream vacations. As Kwortnik notes wryly, “The cruise consumer seems to be somewhat Teflon when it comes to stories like this.”
Reader Views
- BWBo W. · carpenter
"It's all about perception vs reality when it comes to cruise safety. The industry has done a great job of spinning these outbreaks as isolated incidents, but what about the bigger picture? Cruise ships are essentially floating petri dishes where illnesses can spread rapidly. While shorter, more affordable itineraries might attract younger travelers, they're also more appealing to budget-conscious seniors who may be more susceptible to illness. I'm not saying people shouldn't go on cruises, just that they need to do their research and understand the risks involved."
- DHDale H. · weekend handyperson
It's hard to sympathize with people who book cruises months in advance and then complain about safety concerns when they arise. But what about those of us who wait for last-minute deals? We're often left scrambling to find out if a ship has had any outbreaks before we even step on board, which can be a daunting task. Cruise lines need to do more to provide transparent health updates for potential passengers, not just once the ship is at sea.
- TWThe Workshop Desk · editorial
While the cruise industry's sheer size and popularity can make it difficult to pin down safety concerns, it's worth noting that even in cases where outbreaks are isolated, they often have a ripple effect on other ships with similar passenger demographics and routes. This raises questions about whether adequate measures are being taken to mitigate risk, such as enhanced sanitizing protocols or revised health screening procedures for passengers from areas known to be hantavirus hotspots. The industry's response to these incidents will ultimately dictate the level of public trust it can expect to maintain.