Cruise Bookings Rise Despite Recent Illness Outbreaks on Ships

Cruise bookings have continued to increase in 2026 even after recent reports of illness outbreaks on several ships. Industry groups and travel experts stated that the incidents have not reduced overall passenger demand.

3 million people would travel on ocean-going ships this year. 2 million passengers recorded last year.

Three travelers died after a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius following a stop in Argentina. A separate norovirus outbreak occurred on a British cruise ship docked in Bordeaux, France. Oceanwide Expeditions, the owner of the MV Hondius, said it does not expect any operational changes and has a cruise scheduled to depart from Keflavik, Iceland, on 29 May.

Rob Kwortnik, associate professor at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, said cruise consumers appear largely unaffected by such incidents. Andrew Coggins, a cruise industry analyst at Pace University, said travelers who have already booked trips are unlikely to receive refunds if they become concerned.

7 percent increase in cabin bookings during the first half of May compared with the same period last year. CEO Bob Levinstein said the company has seen no drop in demand. Viking stated during a recent investor call that 92 percent of its 2026 cruises and 38 percent of its 2027 cruises were already booked.

The company noted a brief softening in river cruise demand earlier this year that later rebounded.