Star Princess has arrived in Seattle for the first time as Princess Cruises begins the ship’s inaugural Alaska season.
The new Sphere Class ship will sail weekly roundtrip cruises from Seattle’s Pier 91 between 3rd May and 13th September 2026, offering 20 voyages through Alaska’s Inside Passage.
The ship’s arrival was marked with a traditional plaque exchange between the Port of Seattle and senior officers from Star Princess. Captain Gennaro Arma and Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha attended the ceremony, along with local maritime, port, labour and public safety partners.
Seattle Welcomes Star Princess
The celebrations began before the ship’s first sailing, with an Alaska-themed drone show at Seattle Centre on 1st May. The display welcomed Star Princess to the city and celebrated Alaska against the Seattle skyline.
“It’s especially meaningful for the officers and crew of Star Princess to be here in Seattle, a port with a proud maritime heritage and long-standing connection to Alaska,” said Princess Cruises Captain, Gennaro Arma.
“Designed for these journeys, Star Princess brings together advanced technology, comfort, and elegance as we continue Princess Cruises’ legacy in Alaska. We’re grateful to the Port of Seattle and our port partners for their warm welcome and continued collaboration.”
Star Princess will visit popular Alaska ports including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. The itinerary also includes scenic glacier viewing at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
Royal Princess will also sail weekly from Seattle’s Pier 91 during the 2026 and 2027 Alaska seasons.
Princess Supports Alaska Communities
To mark the launch, Princess Cruises has announced donations to several Alaska community organisations.
In Ketchikan, Princess Cruises is giving $100,000 to the Joseph T. Craig American Legion Post 3, alongside Holland America Line, to help rebuild the state’s oldest American Legion post after it was destroyed by arson.
The cruise line is also donating $25,000 to Juneau Flukes for whale research and marine conservation, $25,000 to Skagway Childcare Council, and $10,000 to Sitka Trail Works.
Princess Cruises’ Record Alaska Season
Star Princess is one of the largest ships ever deployed by Princess Cruises in Alaska, with a gross tonnage of 177,800 and capacity for 4,300 guests. On board, passengers can expect a wide range of dining venues, bars, entertainment spaces and modern accommodation designed for comfort on longer scenic sailings.
The ship’s debut forms part of a major expansion for Princess Cruises in the region. The line has confirmed that 2026 will be its biggest Alaska season to date, with a total of eight ships sailing across the region, offering 180 departures and visiting 19 destinations.
Alongside Star Princess, the full Alaska fleet includes Coral Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess and Island Princess. These ships will operate a mix of itineraries, giving passengers a broad choice of sailings through the Inside Passage and beyond.
Princess Cruises has long positioned itself as a leading operator in Alaska, and this expanded deployment reflects continued strong demand for cruises in the region, particularly for itineraries that combine scenic cruising with well-known ports and wildlife experiences.
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Three passengers have died and multiple others have been taken seriously ill following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, in what is being described as…
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A Dutch-owned expedition ship at about half its total capacity is being held off the coast of Cape Verde after three passengers died and at least four others became ill in a suspected hantavirus outbreak.
MV Hondius. Map screenshot courtesy of CruiseMapper.
Reports on this story have been flooding social media and news outlets, and while the cruise line in question isn’t one we typically cover, it’s important that cruisers know what’s actually going on.
MV Hondius is a 170-passenger Polar Class 6 expedition ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, which is headquartered in the Netherlands.
The 6,000-gross-ton ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, for what was scheduled to be a multi-week sailing across the Atlantic.
The voyage included stops in Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and other South Atlantic islands before its scheduled arrival in Praia, Cape Verde, on May 4.
But instead of a normal end to the cruise for the 88 passengers on board, the ship is now essentially in a waiting game in open waters near Praia.
Cape Verde authorities have refused docking as a precautionary measure to protect the local population under international health regulations. This is not uncommon and we saw this happen a lot during the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic when ships were delayed in disembarking passengers due to outbreaks onboard.
The ship’s passengers, along with 61 crew members, are now waiting for help as talks of possible evacuations are ongoing.
Current Situation (as of May 5, 2026)
Three Confirmed Deaths: A Dutch husband and wife, plus a German national. The first victim, a 70-year-old Dutch man, passed away on April 11. His body was disembarked at Saint Helena on April 24. His wife passed away in a South African hospital on April 26.
Seven Total Cases: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infections and five suspected cases. This includes a 69-year-old British passenger currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Medical Emergencies: Two crew members (one British and one Dutch) with acute respiratory symptoms remain on board and require urgent medical care. The body of the German passenger, who passed away on May 2, is still on the vessel awaiting transport.
Understanding the Hantavirus Risk
Hantavirus is a rare, rodent-borne virus typically spread through contact with infected urine, droppings, or saliva. It causes severe respiratory problems and is not usually transmitted between people.
However, the WHO issued an update this morning stating they cannot rule out human-to-human transmission in this specific case.
Authorities suspect a strain known as the Andes virus, which can spread between close contacts.
The risk to the general public still remains very low. Exposure most likely occurred during shore excursions earlier in the voyage, given the virus’s long incubation period of up to eight weeks.
Oceanwide Expeditions reports that passengers and crew are calm and cooperating with isolation measures. In this case isolation includes a strict cabin-only lockdown and “maximal physical distancing” as the crew continue with deep cleaning efforts all around the ship.
The company is working with Dutch authorities, the WHO, and other international partners to arrange medical evacuations as well.
The ship is expected to reroute to Spain’s Canary Islands (likely Las Palmas or Tenerife), which offer better medical facilities.
A Half-Full Ship
Hondius, built in 2019, is a modern ice-strengthened vessel designed for small-group expeditions. This sailing was only about half full, which has helped with isolation and response efforts.
This is an extremely rare incident, as hantavirus outbreaks on ships are highly unusual. The story is developing rapidly with new information coming in every few minutes.
Health authorities are still testing, contact tracing, and making plans to get passengers and crew back to their 23 different countries, including 17 Americans, 19 British nationals, and four Canadians.
Cruise Fever will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as this story develops.
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Disney Cruise Line’s special offers this week now extend through October 2026 — with 72 different sail dates available from a variety of departure ports, including Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, San Diego, and Vancouver. Additional special offers are also available across the domestic fleet for these sailings.
The Disney Wish continues to lead the fleet with 30 sailings (up 6 from last week), followed by the Disney Magic, which held steady at 19 sailings. The Disney Treasure surged 8 to 25 sailings, while the Disney Wonder dropped 2 to 14 sailings. The Disney Destiny eased 1 to 7 sailings, the Disney Dream held steady at 8 sailings, and the Disney Fantasy remained at 5 sailings.
The Florida Resident rate jumped 10 sailings for a total of 23. The US Military Personnel offer added 2 to 60 sailings. The Canadian Resident offer held at 25 sailings, and the Southern California Resident offer has sailed into the sunset. The special bonus US Military offer for $250 onboard credit, announced in November, for select sailings in 2026 remains available.
Finally, the extra savings for those with placeholder reservations where the standard 10% is applicable for some concierge levels on select sailings and a bump in the discount up to 25% off on select sailings remain active.
The special offers listed below are available to book today while inventory lasts.
Special Offers for U.S. Military Personnel
Special Rates for U.S. Military Personnel (MTO) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid for new bookings only.
Disney Destiny
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Castaway Cay • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • At Sea • San Juan, Puerto Rico • Philipsburg, St. Maarten • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • At Sea
Disney Dream
12-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia ending in Barcelona Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • At Sea • Messina (Sicily), Italy • Corfu, Greece • At Sea • Mykonos, Greece • Piraeus (Athens), Greece • Rhodes, Greece • Rhodes, Greece • At Sea • Valletta, Malta • At Sea
7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona Barcelona, Spain • At Sea • Naples, Italy • Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • Livorno, Italy • Ajaccio, France • At Sea
7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona Barcelona, Spain • At Sea • Livorno, Italy • Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • Naples, Italy • Cagliari, Italy • At Sea
7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona Barcelona, Spain • At Sea • Cagliari, Italy • Naples, Italy • Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • Livorno, Italy • At Sea
7-Night Western Europe Cruise from Barcelona ending in Southampton Barcelona, Spain • Cartagena, Spain • Málaga, Spain • At Sea • Vigo, Spain • La Coruña, Spain • At Sea
9-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Barcelona ending in Civitavecchia Barcelona, Spain • At Sea • Messina (Sicily), Italy • At Sea • Piraeus (Athens), Greece • Santorini, Greece • Mykonos, Greece • Chania, Greece • At Sea
9-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy • At Sea • Chania, Greece • Mykonos, Greece • At Sea • Dubrovnik, Croatia • Corfu, Greece • Valletta, Malta • Valletta, Malta
Disney Fantasy
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Castaway Cay
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
Disney Magic
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Lookout Cay • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
Disney Wonder
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from San Diego to Vancouver San Diego, California • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
5-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver to San Diego Vancouver, Canada • Victoria, Canada • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
Special military rates are available to retired and active US military personnel (and their spouses), including US Coast Guard, US National Guard and US Military Reserves. Members of the US National Guard or the US Military Reserves (or their spouses) must show active-duty orders dated January 1st of the previous year to qualify. Third and fourth Guest prices valid with 2 full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Rates may vary by sail date and category. Other restrictions may apply. Other categories and sail dates may be available. To take advantage of military cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide Proof of Military Service. Active and retired members (or spouse) of the US military must provide valid identification at time of check-in. Valid for new bookings only.
Special Offers for Florida Residents
Special Rates for Florida Residents (FLR) are limited to 50 staterooms per category and sailing. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Please note: This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Valid on new and existing reservations.
Disney Destiny
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Fantasy
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • Lookout Cay • At Sea
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
To take advantage of Florida residency cruise rates, proof of Florida Residency for at least one adult in each stateroom must be presented at time of check-in. Guests unable to show proper proof of Florida residency at check-in will have their cruise re-priced and the balance must be paid before being allowed to sail.
Proof of residency must be valid at the time of sailing, and includes the following:
Florida Driver’s License
Florida Identification Card
If you do not have one of the IDs indicated above, then you must provide one of the following—dated within the past 2 months—verifying a Florida residential address and your name, along with a corresponding, valid government-issued photo ID (such as passport, driver’s license, state identification card):
Monthly mortgage statement
Renter’s lease agreement
Current automobile registration, insurance policy or bill
Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
Current utility bill (power/phone/cable/water)
Mail from a financial institution, including checking, savings or investment account statements
Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency
Note: property deeds and P.O. boxes are not considered acceptable proofs of residency.
Children’s rates are also available to Guests ages 3 through 12 that are traveling with 2 adults in the same stateroom.
Canadian Resident Rates
Special Rates for Canadian Residents with savings on prevailing rates as quoted on Disneycruise.com for non-concierge Verandah, Oceanview, and Inside Staterooms on select cruises. Pricing varies, the lowest priced category per person per night listed below. New sailings added this week are in bold. Proof of residency is required an you must mention the special offer code CAN when booking. NOTE: Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested when calling in. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits.
Disney Fantasy
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Magic
4-Night Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver ending in San Diego Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • At Sea • At Sea
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Icy Strait Point, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
Disney Treasure
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • At Sea • Tortola, British Virgin Islands • St. Thomas, USVI • At Sea • Castaway Cay
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • At Sea • Cozumel, Mexico • Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica • At Sea • Castaway Cay
Disney Wish
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Castaway Cay • At Sea
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Castaway Cay • At Sea
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, Florida • Nassau, Bahamas • Lookout Cay • At Sea
Disney Wonder
7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver Vancouver, Canada • At Sea • Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Ketchikan, Alaska • At Sea
The Canadian Resident rate excludes suites and categories with restrictions (VGT, OGT, and IGT). Proof of Canada residency will be required at time of check-in. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses are not included. If booking through Disney Cruise Line’s Contact Center, you must mention code CAN. Offers may be applied to existing bookings if requested by caller. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts, or onboard credits. Offer valid for new and existing reservations.
Please note, the offers listed are not to be taken as official quotes. Prices and availability can change at any time without notice. More importantly, the deals listed above are a snapshot in time based on DCL’s online cruise search tool.
Last but certainly not least, I wanted to invite you to consider joining us on an upcoming DCL Blog Group Cruise! This summer, we are heading to Fort Lauderdale to sail to the Western Caribbean on the all new Disney Destiny. Click here to learn more out this group opportunity. We look forward to seeing you aboard.
Royal Caribbean has renamed their flight program that allows cruisers to book their airfare for their upcoming cruise directly through the cruise line.
Air2Sea is now called Flights by Royal. It’s the same experience as before, just with a new name.
When a cruiser books their airfare through Flights By Royal, they are guaranteed the best value on their choice of airlines.
One of the biggest perks of booking airfare through Flights by Royal is if your flight gets canceled or delayed, Royal Caribbean has a 24/7 support team to help you get to your cruise.
They will make new arrangements for you to get to your cruise. If they are unable to get you new flights to your cruise, they will give you an airfare refund and a cruise credit on a future cruise.
Cruisers have the option to choose the airline of their choice. They can also link their airline loyalty program so they will receive miles like they would if they booked on their own.
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Join us as we announce the WINNER of our first Monday Fun Freebie giveaway! This will be a random selection by our software and the winner must be a U.S. Resident and over the age of 18. See giveaway details for more information.
⏰ Set your clocks and tune in on Monday (5/4/26) at 11:30 AM ET – Watch Live
An 83-year-old cruise passenger man died while snorkeling at Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
According to news sources, police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The man was visiting Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas when around 2:00 PM he went snorkeling near the beach with his son.
As they were finishing, the son swam ahead. When he looked back, he noticed his father had stopped. He returned and found his father unresponsive in the water without his mask.
The son called for help immediately and a lifeguard and medical staff, including a cruise line physician, responded quickly.
Officers from Bullocks Harbour Police Station arrived with a local doctor. They went to a medical facility on the island, where the man was pronounced dead.
No vital signs were found. His body was transported to Bullocks Harbour and then to New Providence for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play has been reported.
According to cruise schedules, Norwegian Getaway was the ship at Great Stirrup Cay on May 3, 2026. It arrived around 8:00 AM and departed around 5:00 PM.
The vessel was on a 3-night Bahamas cruise from PortMiami.
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Three passengers have died and multiple others have been taken seriously ill following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, in what is being described as an extremely rare incident at sea.
The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was sailing across the Atlantic from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde when the outbreak emerged.
The World Health Organization has confirmed that one passenger tested positive for hantavirus, while five additional cases are currently being treated as suspected infections.
Of the six people affected, three have died. Among them are a Dutch husband and wife aged 70 and 69, who became ill during the voyage. A third passenger also died, with reports indicating their body remains onboard the ship.
A 69-year-old British passenger is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is the only laboratory-confirmed case so far. Two crew members are also unwell.
Health Authorities Monitoring Developing Situation
The World Health Organization has confirmed it is actively supporting the response to what it describes as a “public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.”
In its statement, the agency said: “To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.”
Further laboratory work, including genetic sequencing, is underway to determine the exact strain of the virus and whether all cases are linked to the same source.
At the time of the outbreak, MV Hondius was carrying up to 170 guests, alongside 57 crew members and 13 expedition guides. Even with six known or suspected cases, this represents around 3.5% of passengers onboard, a notable proportion for a serious illness.
The ship is now off Cape Verde and appears to have been stationary for at least 24 hours. Reports suggest that local authorities have not yet granted permission for ill passengers or crew to disembark for treatment, complicating the medical response.
What Is Hantavirus And How Serious Is It?
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease typically contracted through exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. It is highly unusual for cases to be associated with cruise ships.
There are several different types of hantavirus, and the severity can vary depending on the strain and a person’s overall health.
One form, known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, can take between one and eight weeks to show symptoms. Early signs include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, followed by coughing and shortness of breath as the illness progresses.
Another form, haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, develops more quickly, often within one to two weeks. It can cause severe headaches, blurred vision, internal bleeding and, in the most serious cases, kidney failure.
Medical experts say there are currently no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments available. Care is focused on managing symptoms, often requiring intensive hospital support such as oxygen therapy or ventilation.
Some specialists have noted that the Andes strain, commonly found in South America where the cruise began, can in rare cases spread between people. However, hantavirus is generally not considered easily transmissible from person to person.
Experts have also warned that patients can deteriorate rapidly. In severe cases, death can occur within days of symptoms becoming serious.
How Did The Outbreak Start?
Investigators are now working to determine how the passengers were exposed to the virus and whether it was transmitted between passengers.
Epidemiologists suggest it is likely that those infected contracted the virus before boarding the ship, as hantavirus can have a long incubation period of up to eight weeks.
It remains unclear whether all six cases involve the same strain or if multiple exposures may have occurred. Health officials have stressed that confirming this will be key to understanding the situation.
The possibility of further cases has not been ruled out, particularly given the delayed onset of symptoms associated with the virus.
Unusual Incident Raises Questions For Expedition Cruises
Outbreaks of illness on cruise ships are not uncommon, but they are usually linked to gastrointestinal diseases such as norovirus, E. coli or salmonella. While unpleasant, these rarely result in fatalities.
In contrast, no hantavirus outbreaks linked to cruise ships have been reported in at least the past 30 years, according to available data.
The situation is particularly concerning given the nature of expedition cruising. Ships like MV Hondius operate in remote regions with limited access to medical facilities, which can make emergency situations more challenging to manage.
MV Hondius is a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened vessel designed for voyages in Antarctica and the Arctic. It typically carries guests aged between 30 and 80, with many travellers in older age groups who may be more vulnerable to severe illness.
Oceanwide Expeditions advises that passengers should be in good overall health and capable of spending extended periods ashore during expeditions, although the trips themselves are not considered highly physically demanding.
The current voyage, which departed on 20th March 2026, may have been a rare repositioning sailing combining Antarctic exploration with a transatlantic crossing ahead of the ship’s Arctic season, due to begin later in May.
Ongoing Investigation
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as testing and analysis continue.
Experts have emphasised the importance of quickly identifying and treating cases, particularly given the severity of the disease and the lack of targeted treatments.
There are also ongoing efforts to review passengers’ recent travel histories to identify any possible exposure to high-risk environments before boarding.
For now, the outbreak remains under investigation, with officials working to determine whether additional cases may emerge and how such a rare and serious illness came to affect passengers on a cruise ship.
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Thousands of cruise passengers are urgently rearranging travel plans after Spirit Airlines abruptly ceased operations on Saturday 2nd May 2026, cancelling all flights with immediate effect just as the summer cruise season begins.
The Florida-based airline confirmed the shutdown through a statement on its website and social media channels, announcing that all services had been cancelled and that the airline would begin winding down operations.
“It is with great disappointment that on May 2, 2026, Spirit Airlines started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately,” the statement said. “All flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available.”
Passengers with existing bookings have been told not to travel to the airport. Refunds will be issued automatically to the payment cards used to purchase tickets, while customers who booked through travel agents have been advised to contact those providers directly.
However, the sudden closure means many travellers must now find alternative flights at short notice in order to reach their cruise departures.
Airlines Step In With Rescue Fares
Several airlines have already announced special fares to help travellers affected by the shutdown.
JetBlue is offering one-way fares from $99 for passengers whose Spirit flights were cancelled on the same routes through 6th May. Frontier Airlines has introduced discounts of up to 50 percent on select base fares for disrupted travellers, while American Airlines and Delta have also introduced discounted rescue fares on certain routes.
Despite these efforts, many travellers still face rising airfares due to strong summer travel demand and increased fuel costs. For some cruise guests, the cost of rebooking flights could be significantly higher than their original Spirit tickets.
One traveller due to sail soon shared their frustration online.
“So Spirit Airlines has decided to shut down 6 days before our cruise,” one upcoming guest noted on Facebook. “I’m about to be out thousands of dollars because I can’t rebook without the money back that I’ve already spent.”
Major Airline For Florida Cruise Ports
Spirit Airlines has long been a popular choice for cruise passengers because of its low fares, particularly for those travelling to Florida’s busiest cruise ports.
The airline is headquartered in Dania Beach, Florida, just five miles from Port Everglades and around 25 miles from PortMiami. It also has a significant presence at Orlando International Airport, the main gateway for passengers sailing from Port Canaveral.
According to Fox 35 Orlando, the airline had 237 flights scheduled from Orlando in the coming week alone, serving more than 40 domestic and international destinations. In March 2026, Spirit carried nearly 500,000 passengers through the airport.
For many cruise travellers, the airline’s no-frills pricing allowed them to save hundreds of dollars on flights, freeing up more of their holiday budget for onboard extras such as drink packages, shore excursions and spa treatments.
Financial Troubles Led To Shutdown
Spirit Airlines had faced financial difficulties for several years before the sudden closure.
In early 2022, Frontier Airlines attempted to merge with the carrier, but the deal was rejected. JetBlue later made its own acquisition attempt, which also failed.
The airline subsequently filed for bankruptcy in November 2024 and again in August 2025, signalling ongoing financial pressure.
The shutdown now leaves many cruise passengers racing to secure alternative travel arrangements in order to reach their departure ports.
Cruise lines generally state that they are not responsible if guests fail to reach the ship due to travel disruptions outside their control, including airline cancellations. As a result, travellers who cannot reach their cruise in time may not receive refunds for their cruise fare.
Some passengers may be able to recover costs through travel insurance, depending on the terms of their policies. However, refunds for cancelled flights could take weeks or months to process, leaving some travellers needing to pay for replacement flights upfront.
For others, alternative options such as long-distance driving to cruise ports may become the only viable way to ensure they do not miss their sailing.
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Holland America Line has announced itineraries for its two 2028 Grand Voyages, thoughtfully designed journeys shaped by years of guest feedback and a shared appetite for discovery measured not in days, but in continents crossed and time well spent ashore. Travelers can choose between a sweeping 129-day circumnavigation of the globe aboard the 2028 Grand World Voyage or a 90-day deep dive into Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific on the Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage. Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner shared the news today with guests aboard the 2026 Grand World Voyage.
Both 2028 Grand Voyages are anchored by ambitious, bucket-list experiences. On the Grand World Voyage, that means a full Antarctic Experience and an immersive sweep through South America, including scenic cruising through the Chilean Fjords, Glacier Alley and the Beagle Channel. The voyage also contains a call at Easter Island and a sail-past of Null Island, where the Prime Meridian and the Equator intersect at 0°N, 0°E. On the Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage, it means rare access to the remote, seldom-visited shores of Western Australia that appear on few cruise itineraries—all without stepping on an international flight. Both voyages include a call at Bora Bora, making 2028 the first time Holland America Line has sent both Grand Voyages to the crown jewel of the South Pacific in a single season.
2028 Grand Voyages
“What makes our Grand Voyage itineraries special is the opportunity to experience destinations more fully while visiting rare Mariners’ Collection ports exculsive to these cruises,” said Bodensteiner. “In direct respons to our guests, the 2028 Grand Voyages are anchored by truly unforgettable moments, from exploring Antarctica and crossing the globe on the Grand World Voyage to sailing past Null Island, where the Prime Meridian and the Equator meet at zero, and calling at legendary destinations like Easter Island and Bora Bora.”
The 2028 Grand Voyages sail aboard Volendam and Zaandam, ships renowned for their ability to reach ports that larger vessels cannot—intimate enough to dock in remote harbors, spacious enough to feel like home for several months.
The 2028 Grand World Voyage departs Jan. 4 roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage departs Jan. 30 roundtrip from San Diego, California. Travelers interested in either voyage can call Holland America Line’s World Cruise Reservations Desk or contact their travel advisor today to place a deposited Future Cruise Request and receive priority booking confirmation before either voyage opens to the general public.
2028 Grand World Voyage Highlights — Volendam
129-day voyage; sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, departing Jan. 4, 2028.
Departs south through the Caribbean and along the eastern coast of South America en route to Antarctica. The ship then sails north through Beagle Channel, Glacier Alley and the Chilean Fjords before crossing the equator and calling at Easter Island.
Continues through the South Pacific and French Polynesia—including Bora Bora—before spending eight days across six ports in New Zealand.
Sails north through Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Sri Lanka before rounding the Cape of Good Hope and crossing the equator a second time.
Passes through the Gulf of Guinea, sailing past Null Island— where the Prime Meridian and Equator converge at 0°N, 0°E—before calling at ports along the West African coast.
Crosses the Atlantic, calling San Juan, Puerto Rico before returning to Fort Lauderdale.
45 ports in 26 countries and territories across six continents.
16 Mariners’ Collection ports–available only on Grand Voyages—including Easter Island, Walvis Bay (Namibia), Reunion Island and Cape Verde.
31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso in Chile, Komodo National Park on Komodo Island and India’s Taj Mahal.
Memorable Moments: Eight days and six ports across New Zealand; four-day Antarctic Experience; 65 hours in Cape Town; two equator crossings; and a sail-past of Null Island—the point where the Prime Meridian meets the Equator at 0°N, 0°E.
2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage Highlights — Zaandam
90-day voyage; sails roundtrip from San Diego, departing Jan. 30, 2028.
Heads west through Hawaii and the South Pacific, crossing the International Date Line en route to New Zealand before continuing to Australia—including remote northwestern and western ports—then returns via Melanesia, Fiji, Samoa and French Polynesia, with an extended stay in Bora Bora before ending in San Diego.
41 ports in 12 countries and territories across two continents.
13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park.
Overnight calls at Hobart, Sydney, Cairns, Fremantle (Perth), Auckland and Papeete.
Memorable Moments: Ports across New Zealand, including Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Milford Sound, Port Chalmers (Dunedin) and Timaru; an extended evening stay in Bora Bora with time to snorkel, explore the lagoon by outrigger or take in the view of Mount Otemanu long after sunset; and a roundtrip departure from San Diego—no international flights required to begin one of the world’s most extraordinary sea journeys.
Both Ships. One Crown Jewel.
In 2028, both the Grand World Voyage and the Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage call on Bora Bora, a location only accessible on smaller ships like Volendam and Zaandam. Whether arriving aboard Volendam or Zaandam, guests will navigate the Teavanui Pass into a lagoon of extraordinary color, framed by palm-fringed white-sand islets and the volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu rising above it all. For guests aboard Zaandam, an extended late-evening stay opens the door to snorkeling among sharks and rays, a paddle through the lagoon by outrigger canoe or simply lingering at the water’s edge well past sunset.
A Grand Onboard Experience
Each Grand Voyage offers an elevated onboard experience marked by Holland America Line’s gracious service, refined amenities and thoughtful surprises along the way. With more days at sea, guests have time to truly settle in and enjoy the ship, whether that means joining enrichment programs, taking part in onboard activities or simply unwinding between destinations. Evenings come alive with standout entertainment, including regional cultural performers and special guest headliners. Signature moments such as elegant gala balls, dressy nights and the Captain’s Grand Voyage Dinner add to the sense of occasion. Dining is a highlight throughout the journey, with menus that evolve daily and are rarely repeated, showcasing local ingredients and dishes inspired by the regions visited.
Early Booking Bonus Benefits
Guests who book the 2028 Grand World Voyage by June 14, 2027, are eligible for up to $10,700 in early booking benefits per stateroom, including up to $2,500 in onboard credit, a $500 air credit per person when booked through Flight Ease, complimentary Wi-Fi and additional savings. Guests booking the 2028 Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage can receive up to $8,500 in early booking benefits. Terms and conditions apply. Full details will be available at hollandamerica.com once the voyages open for booking.
For more information about Holland America Line or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
Carnival Cruise Line’s adults-only cruises are so popular, the cruise line has added more kid-free sailings for later this year in October and November.
If you’re looking to take a Carnival cruise that has no children, you can now book one of four new cruises that will depart from Long Beach, California on Carnival Firenze. The cruise ship will spend 39 straight days without any kids on board as it sails a series of SEA cruises.
These new SEA (Sailings Exclusively for Adults) cruises must be booked by May 15, 2026 and they range from seven to 11 nights in length.
New Adults-Only Carnival Cruises
October 12, 2026: Seven-day cruise to Mexico, three sea days
October 19, 2026: 14-day cruise to Mexico, seven sea days
November 2, 2026: 11-day cruise to Mexico, five sea days
November 13, 2026: Seven-day cruise to Mexico, three sea days
To see a list of all adults-only cruises that Carnival Cruise Line offers, you can log into your account on Carnival.com. When you click My Offers, scroll down until you see SEA (Sailings Exclusively for Adults). Click the shop now button to see what kid-free cruises Carnival has open to book.
If you don’t see any SEA cruises offered, you can sign up to receive the adults-only cruise offers on Carnival’s website here.
Carnival normally adds extra slot machines for SEA cruises since they started off being casino cruises for adults. They have become extremely popular and usually sell out quickly since the cruise line only offers a handful of them each year.
These cruises are for guests 21 and older, no exceptions.
Carnival Firenze is one of two Carnival Fun Italian Style ships that were brought over from sister cruise line Costa Cruises.
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