A hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ships has raised questions about hygiene standards in the industry, following incidents on vessels including the Diamond Princess and the Hondius. Health authorities are calling for stricter sanitation inspections on cruise ships after confirmed cases of hantavirus among passengers and crew. Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, and enclosed ship environments can increase exposure risk. Tourists planning cruises departing from or stopping at Cretan ports such as Heraklion or Souda Bay should check their vessel's most recent sanitation inspection score before boarding. If you experience fever, muscle aches, or respiratory symptoms during or after a cruise, seek medical attention promptly and inform staff of your recent travel history. Cruise lines are expected to face increased health authority scrutiny throughout the 2026 season.
