Cruise Ship MV Hondius Cleared After 12 Hantavirus Cases

Saturday, 23 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

The cruise ship MV Hondius, which was placed under restrictions following a hantavirus outbreak on board, is now cleared for its captain to disembark. The World Health Organization has recorded a total of 12 suspected and confirmed hantavirus cases linked to the vessel. The ship had been subject to port health protocols while authorities investigated the outbreak. Hantavirus is not transmitted person-to-person and poses no broader public health risk to visitors on shore. Tourists arriving by cruise ship or visiting Cretan ports are not affected by this incident. If you are traveling on a cruise itinerary that includes Crete, check with your cruise line for any updated scheduling information, as port health investigations can occasionally cause delays to arrivals or departures.