Cruise Demand Holds Steady Despite Recent Illness Outbreaks

Cruise industry experts report that demand for ocean cruises remains strong heading into the summer travel season, even after recent outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus on several ships. 2 million passengers last year.

Three passengers aboard the MV Hondius died after a hantavirus outbreak linked to a stop in Argentina. A norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess sickened more than 100 passengers and crew members. Some travelers said the health concerns have not altered their plans. Cruise blogger Jenni Fielding told The Associated Press she has eight cruises booked and will book another.

Levinstein told The Associated Press that bookings through the company increased by more than 30 percent during the first half of May compared with the same period last year. "I can categorically say that we have not seen any drop in demand," Levinstein said.

Many cruises are booked months in advance, which experts say makes recent health concerns less likely to affect immediate travel plans. Norovirus cases often receive heightened attention because cruise ships must publicly report illnesses affecting a certain percentage of passengers.