Confirmed and suspected hantavirus cases aboard the Dutch ship MV Hondius off Cape Verde that have resulted in multiple deaths draw new attention to how illness can spread during travel, just as cruise ships head into one of their busiest periods on record. The situation remains under investigation, but it underscores a broader point for travelers: not all health risks look the same in every setting, and understanding how illness spreads in close quarters matters.
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As of May 4, 2026, health authorities say two cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing, with five suspected infections under investigation. Among those affected, three deaths have been reported, at least one patient has required intensive medical care and another three have reported mild symptoms. Details continue to develop, but the incident stands out as a rare event in the context of cruise travel.
Hantavirus is not typically associated with cruise ships, as it spreads through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine or saliva, most often in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces on land. The more typical onboard risks remain gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses that move easily through shared spaces.
Cruising reached about 37.2 million passengers globally in 2025, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, tracked 20 gastrointestinal outbreaks on ships under its jurisdiction that year, most involving norovirus, with additional cases already reported in 2026.
Norovirus spreads through contact, not just food
Norovirus remains the most common illness associated with cruise ships, and it is not due to a single source. It spreads through contaminated food, shared surfaces and direct contact between people, often all at once. That combination allows it to move quickly through a ship if early cases go unnoticed.
The focus on buffets only tells part of the story. Shared serving utensils play a role, but so do elevator buttons, stair rails, casino machines, bar menus and door handles. Thousands of passengers touch the same surfaces each day, and according to the CDC, the virus can persist on surfaces and transfer easily from hands to the mouth, which is how many infections begin.
“I love to cruise, but one of my biggest fears is getting seriously sick on a ship,” says Michelle Price, travel writer at Honest And Truly Travels. “I do all the obvious things, but I also have additional strategies to minimize my risks, plus they make my trip more fun, too.”
Respiratory illness accounts for a larger share of medical visits
Gastrointestinal illness gets the attention, but respiratory infections are more common onboard. The CDC says respiratory illnesses account for an estimated 30% to 40% of visits to cruise ship medical centers, compared with 10% for gastrointestinal illness.
Flu, COVID and other respiratory viruses spread easily in indoor settings such as theaters, lounges and crowded dining rooms. Elevators, tenders and excursion buses also create tight, enclosed environments where exposure builds quickly, especially during embarkation and peak activity periods.
“In port, I generally book small-group tours or explore on my own rather than clamber aboard the giant buses full of other guests for the cruise ship excursions,” Price explains. “When I minimize my time in small, crowded spaces with others who may, or may not, be sick, it helps reduce the likelihood that germs will reach my immune system.”
Many cases begin before boarding
Outbreaks often start with passengers who board while already incubating an illness. Travel to the port, time in airports and crowded embarkation areas all increase exposure before a cruise even begins, but early habits still matter. Washing hands after boarding, avoiding crowded indoor spaces early and being mindful during the first days onboard reduce the risk of picking up or spreading illness during the trip’s highest-contact period.
High-touch surfaces drive most exposure
The biggest risks on a cruise ship are the ones passengers take without thinking, such as railings, elevator buttons, touchscreen kiosks and shared menus, which create a constant chain of contact across the ship. Avoiding these surfaces entirely is not realistic; breaking the chain is what matters. Washing hands with soap and water before eating and avoiding touching the face after contact with public surfaces lessens the risk of infection more than avoiding specific areas.
Excursions introduce additional variables
Time off the ship brings new points of exposure, including buses, boats, shared equipment and local food-handling practices. Standards can vary by destination, which adds uncertainty compared with the controlled environment onboard.
Carrying hand wipes, choosing safe drinking water and being cautious with raw or undercooked foods can help limit risk during excursions. Illness picked up ashore often returns to the ship with passengers.
Early reporting helps limit the spread
The CDC advises passengers who develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or fever to contact the ship’s medical center and follow guidance. Early reporting allows the crew to respond quickly, isolate cases when needed and increase sanitation measures. Delaying or hiding symptoms increases the risk of wider spread, particularly in environments where people share dining spaces, restrooms and recreational areas.
A reminder that context matters in travel health
The outbreak off the coast of Cape Verde is a rare case and not representative of typical cruise health risks, but it shows how quickly attention can shift when serious illness is involved. For most travelers, the more immediate concern is not a rare virus associated with specific environmental susceptibility, but common illnesses that quietly move through communal areas. Understanding how those illnesses spread and taking simple steps early in a trip remain the most effective ways to stay well at sea.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.