Cruise Ship with Hantavirus Cases Docks in Netherlands

On May 18, 2026, the MV Hondius cruise ship arrived in the Netherlands after a challenging seven-week, 8,500-mile voyage. This journey was marked by an outbreak of hantavirus infections, resulting in 11 cases and three deaths.

The ship docked in Rotterdam just after 4:30 a.m. EDT to undergo disinfection. The outbreak of the virus, which is primarily spread by rodents, had prompted global alerts. Only the captain, Jan Dobrogowski, and 26 crew members remained onboard, while most passengers, including 18 Americans, are in quarantine in their respective countries. The body of a German passenger who passed away during the voyage was also on the ship.

The expedition began on April 1 from Ushuaia, Argentina, with nearly 150 individuals. It included visits to several remote islands. The World Health Organization is investigating the outbreak’s origins, with a hypothesis that the initial infection occurred during a bird-watching trip involving exposure to rodents.

To date, there are nine confirmed hantavirus cases among those aboard the Hondius, with two additional suspected cases. The virus’s incubation period can last up to six weeks. Last week, a Canadian passenger tested positive and is undergoing hospital treatment for the Andes strain, known for human-to-human transmission.

Passengers, including Americans, are isolating at home or hotels after disembarking on May 10 in Tenerife, Canary Islands. The ship was initially denied docking in Cape Verde, West Africa.

Hantavirus is common in parts of South America but rarely occurs in humans and had not been recorded on a cruise ship before. Health authorities worldwide, including in the U.S., have worked to mitigate fears of a wider outbreak.

Following disinfection and inspection by public health officials, the MV Hondius is scheduled to sail again next month. Polartours advertises a “Polar Cruise” starting on June 5, with ticket prices beginning at $5,750 per person.