The development forms part of the cruise line’s broader expansion in the Caribbean and comes as the Dominican Republic continues to strengthen its position as one of the region’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, investing in new infrastructure and visitor experiences.

Operated through a partnership between CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Catalina Sugar Beach will welcome guests travelling with MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys and visitors staying at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.

The opening coincides with MSC Cruises launching year-round operations from La Romana for the first time. Beginning in November, MSC Opera will sail weekly from the Dominican port, with every itinerary including a call at Catalina Sugar Beach.

Blending nature with upgraded facilities

Located within a protected natural monument, Catalina Island is known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs and clear Caribbean waters. According to MSC Cruises, the redevelopment has been designed to enhance the visitor experience while showcasing the island’s natural environment.

The destination will feature a large open-air beach pavilion serving international cuisine alongside Dominican specialities, shaded dining areas overlooking the sea, two bars, upgraded changing and shower facilities, and a water sports centre offering equipment hire.

Guests seeking a more exclusive experience will also be able to rent private cabanas and daybeds.

A newly created walking trail will lead visitors through the island’s vegetation to a panoramic viewpoint, with educational panels highlighting local tree species and the island’s biodiversity.

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New excursions

MSC Cruises is also introducing a range of new shore excursions centred on the island and surrounding region.

Visitors will be able to explore the coastline by catamaran, snorkel among the area’s marine life or take boat trips to nearby Saona Island. Excursions will also include visits to the Cave of Wonders and Altos de Chavón, a Mediterranean-style cultural village overlooking the Chavón River.

The company says the combination of upgraded facilities and nature-based experiences is intended to position Catalina Sugar Beach as a premium Caribbean beach destination.

Dominican Republic strengthens tourism offer

The announcement reflects the Dominican Republic’s continued investment in tourism, one of the country’s main economic pillars.

Speaking to Travel Tomorrow during Dominican Week in Brussels in June, Dominican Ambassador Joan Cedano said the sector would remain one of the pillars of the country’s long-term economic strategy, highlighting continued investment in infrastructure and visitor experiences as the Dominican Republic seeks to further strengthen its position as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations.

Earlier this year, during the first Dominican Week in Belgium and the Netherlands, government representatives highlighted ambitions to further expand the sector while attracting European investment across tourism, infrastructure, logistics and renewable energy.

The latest investment in Catalina Island aligns with those ambitions by expanding the range of premium experiences available to international visitors beyond the country’s established beach resorts.

With year-round cruise operations from La Romana and the opening of Catalina Sugar Beach, MSC Cruises is also reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s role as a major Caribbean cruise hub.

MSC Opera will offer weekly seven-night cruises from La Romana, while passengers will also have the option of combining two itineraries into a 14-night “butterfly” cruise exploring the Southern Caribbean.

L’article MSC Cruises bets on Dominican Republic with new Catalina Sugar Beach destination est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Running from 24 April to 18 September 2028, the programme will offer weekly seven-night itineraries departing from Seattle. The cruises include calls at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Victoria, British Columbia, as well as scenic cruising through Tracy Arm, where guests can admire the Sawyer Glaciers.

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Alaska continues to attract growing interest among cruise travellers. “Alaska continues to capture the imagination of our guests in the Benelux more than ever. Its breathtaking landscapes, exceptional wildlife experiences, and the unique opportunity to discover a true once-in-a-lifetime destination make this region particularly appealing,” said Frank Van den Steen, Country Manager Benelux at MSC Cruises.

The cruise line said the 2028 deployment builds on the success of its previous Alaska seasons. “The opening of sales for a third Alaska season confirms the growing interest we have seen since the launch of this destination. With the expansion of our Summer 2028 programme, we are offering our guests even more opportunities to plan their dream holiday well in advance,” Van den Steen added.

Refurbished MSC Poesia returns to Alaska

The 2028 season will also mark the ship’s first full Alaska deployment following a major refurbishment. Among the most significant additions is the MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s luxury “ship-within-a-ship” concept, featuring 69 suites, 24-hour butler and concierge service, a private restaurant and lounge, an exclusive sundeck with whirlpools, and a dedicated grill restaurant and bar.

The refurbishment also introduced two new speciality dining venues: Butcher’s Cut, an American-style steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar, serving Japanese-inspired cuisine. Guests will also find an upgraded MSC Aurea Spa, an enhanced Technogym-powered fitness centre, a gentleman’s barber and the Top 15 Exclusive Solarium for Aurea guests.

“Following her recent refurbishment, MSC Poesia will once again deliver the signature MSC Cruises experience, featuring modernised facilities and the addition of the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, a product that is highly appreciated by our Benelux guests,” Van den Steen underlined.

Glaciers, wildlife and coastal communities

The seven-night itineraries have been designed to showcase some of Alaska’s best-known natural attractions and coastal communities. Ketchikan is renowned for its fishing heritage and Alaska Native culture, while Icy Strait Point offers wildlife encounters and Indigenous-owned tourism experiences. Juneau provides access to glaciers and outdoor activities, and Victoria combines historic architecture with waterfront scenery.

Cruise Director Matías Chimicz said Alaska offers guests unforgettable moments both ashore and at sea. “Witnessing Alaska’s glaciers up close, with stunning scenery unfolding around every turn,” is among the experiences that leave the greatest impression on travellers, he said.

He also highlighted the opportunity to spot whales, orcas, bald eagles, bears, deer, otters and harbour seals, noting that guests have even enjoyed whale sightings directly from the ship during the season.

Beyond the destination itself, passengers can enjoy live entertainment, international dining, family facilities and wellness experiences on board, including Dirty Dancing: In Concert, the live-to-film production featuring live singers, dancers and musicians.

Bookings are already available for MSC Cruises’ 2027 Alaska season, which runs from 26 April to 27 September 2027. Between its Alaska deployments, MSC Poesia will also operate MSC Grand Voyage sailings through the Panama Canal between Miami and Seattle.

L’article MSC Cruises opens bookings for 2028 Alaska cruises est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Travellers are increasingly being drawn to river cruises. According to a survey shared by TUI Group, Europe counted 1.5 million river cruise passengers in 2025, up 8% compared to 2024. As rivers are a popular option to escape the most intense summer heat, those numbers are likely to continue to increase over the next few years.

River cruise company AmaWaterways is anticipating a demand increase and will be launching a new ship in April 2027. The AmaRudi, as the vessel will be called, will be the sister ship of the already existing AmaMagna and will be the largest river cruise ship in Europe – measuring 443 feet (135 meters) in length with room for 196 passengers and 70 crew members.

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The AmaRudi, which will be navigating the Danube River, was named after a man. More particularly, the vessel refers to AmaWaterways’ co-founder Rudi Schreiner, born and raised near Austria’s Danube River.

“AmaMagna changed what travellers believed was possible on a river cruise ship. We knew there would be a right time to revisit that concept, and with river cruising continuing to grow, that time is now. More travellers are making the transition from ocean cruising to rivers, and many are looking for a sense of space and choice. AmaMagna was one of the most rewarding projects of my career, so having this new ship carry my name makes it especially meaningful. I see it as part of the legacy we have built together over more than two decades of river cruising,” Schreiner said about the new vessel.

Onboard, travellers will have no difficulty staying entertained. Aside from the 98 staterooms, the AmaRudi will feature a pool, a pickleball court, a spa, a fitness room, a multimedia room, and cafes and restaurants. With Journey’s Restaurant, The Chef’s Table, Rudi’s Wine Bar, and the Deck Club barbecue, cruise goers will not go hungry or thirsty while navigating the Danube.

AmaRudi will mark the second ship launch by AmaWaterways since the company shared it was planning to expand its global fleet to more than 50 ships by 2032 in April 2026. The expansion should include 15 new ships in Europe and more than 60% capacity growth beyond the region, including new ships in Africa and Asia.

The first ship scheduled to join the fleet will be the AmaNubia, debuting in September 2026 on the Nile. After the AmaRudi in April 2027 should see the launch of two extra ships: the AmaMaya on the Mekong and the AmaFiora on the Rhine.

“Our expansion reflects strong demand across both our established and emerging markets. River cruising is on a clear growth trajectory, and we are investing with purpose, expanding our global footprint while continuing to elevate the experience for our guests and our travel partners,” Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways, said at the time.

AmaRudi’s inaugural cruise is set to depart on 11 April 2027 from Vilshofen in Germany and will set sail for Budapest.

L’article Danube to welcome Europe’s largest river cruise ship in 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The proposed levy, advanced by the left-wing Barcelona en Comú (BComú) and the pro-Catalan independence Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), with the backing of the governing Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC), would raise Barcelona’s cruise tourist tax to €30 a day, a clear sign that local politicians are looking to curb the impact of the thousands of tourists who disembark from ships during the busy summer months and who, critics argue, contribute relatively little to the local economy compared with the disruption they cause.

The tax currently stands at €11 a day for stays of 12 hours or less, made up of a €5 municipal surcharge and a €6 regional levy. Under existing regional law, Barcelona’s city council cannot charge more than €8 of its own; the new agreement would lift that ceiling to €24, taking the combined tax to €30 once it clears parliament.

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The increase would apply only to cruise ships stopping at the port for less than 12 hours and would not affect cruises beginning or ending in Barcelona, as these are considered to have a more positive economic impact on the city.

The parties behind the rise have differing visions of what the tax should achieve in the longer term. Marc Serra, of the left-wing BComú, said the increase should not be aimed solely at raising revenue but should also act as a deterrent to this type of tourism and send a clear signal about the role the city wants cruise tourism to play.

BComú councillor Carol Recio announced at a press conference last Monday that her party and ERC had reached an agreement with the PSC-led municipal government.

“Collboni says a lot, but does little or nothing,” Recio said, criticising the mayor for decrying the city’s overcrowding while simultaneously striking a deal with Junts on a Usage Plan for Ciutat Vella that, in her view, favours tourism-oriented businesses.

Other parties would prefer Barcelona to impose a hard cap on the number of ships it receives. The council, however, has so far rejected setting an annual passenger limit, considering it more complicated to implement than raising the tax, a position that saw the pro-Catalan independence Junts, the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox vote against the increase.

The measure now needs to clear the Catalan parliament as an amendment to the law accompanying the Generalitat’s 2026 budget, with a vote expected on 2 July.

Cruise tourists make up just 2.5% of the city’s daily visitors off-season, a figure that climbs to 7.5% during peak season. They typically spend an average of 5.7 hours in the city.

In its push to capture more value from a tourism sector it says is overwhelming Barcelona, the city has introduced several measures in recent years, from phasing out short-term rentals such as Airbnb to increasing overnight tourist taxes. Both the regional tourist tax and the municipal surcharge were raised again in April this year, putting Barcelona among the highest-taxed cities in Europe for visitors.

Last year, plans were also unveiled to cut the number of cruise terminals at Barcelona’s Adossat wharf from seven to five, reducing the port’s simultaneous cruise capacity from 37,000 to 31,000 passengers by 2030.

The three oldest terminals will be demolished and a new terminal built in their place as part of a wider reorganisation of the port.

Passengers travelling this summer should not be affected by the changes, which are expected to take effect from late autumn or early 2027.

L’article Barcelona plans to triple cruise tourist tax to €30 to tackle overtourism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Due to the crisis in the Middle East, the first months of the year have been chaotic, not the least for the travel industry. The rising fuel costs have increased the price of many a flight ticket, routes have been cancelled, and people have been wondering whether or not they should go ahead and plan their summer holiday. As a result, with only a month to go before the start of July, many people across the Benelux still haven’t booked their next vacation.

With that in mind, MSC Cruises is inviting travellers to experience the Best Holiday Ever. Although cruises were once a niche kind of holiday, over the past few years, they have turned into an increasingly popular choice, with a public that has become younger and more family-oriented.

By offering “a seamless, all-in-one travel experience designed to make getting away easier and more enjoyable than ever, at great value, and with the peace of mind of no added fuel surcharges”, MSC Cruises is trying to reinforce that trend in 2026, in a year where many travellers are looking for certainty.

“A cruise combines, in an all-inclusive package, the chance to discover new destinations with a high-quality holiday experience on board. Fine dining, comfort, well-being, activities for young and old, and top-class entertainment all play a central role. This package offers exceptional value for money, which is its main selling point. And this is certainly true in a climate of economic uncertainty,” says Frank Van den Steen, Country Manager Benelux at MSC Cruises.

Peace of mind

According to MSC Cruises, their holidays offer unbeatable value. With everything from full-board dining and action-packed aquaparks to a wide range of entertainment options and fitness facilities included in a cruise package, travellers know exactly how much they will pay for their holiday while booking. That is underlined by the fact that the cruise line will not be introducing a fuel surcharge in 2026, despite the global tendencies. Meanwhile, the multitude of cabin types, shore excursions, and cruise routes offer something for everyone’s taste and budget.

For those who are looking to make their cruise even more secure, MSC Cruises’ Fly & Cruise packages bring together flights, transfers, and a cruise into one coordinated, protected holiday. However, those who prefer to depart closer to home can likely also opt to do so thanks to the large number of itineraries.

The MSC Cruises Fantactica, Aurea, and Yacht Club experiences go even further by allowing guests to make a free cruise change, meaning they can change to another departure within 90 days of the original date with no fees up to 30 days before departure. Especially when combined with the cruise line’s travel insurance, it offers the ultimate peace of mind in a hectic world.

L’article MSC Cruises invites Benelux travellers on the Best Holiday Ever est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

More than 1,700 passengers and crew had initially been asked to remain onboard as a precaution after dozens of people reported gastrointestinal symptoms. The ship, carrying 1,233 passengers, mainly from the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as 514 crew members, arrived in the French port on 13 May and was held there pending the outcome of medical tests.

At the peak of the situation, around 80 individuals experienced stomach-related symptoms, with the highest number of cases reported while the ship was docked in Brest earlier in the week.

Mild viral infection confirmed, norovirus ruled out

French health authorities have since clarified that the situation is under control. The illness affecting passengers has been identified as a mild viral infection with no serious consequences reported.

Initial concerns pointed to a possible outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious form of gastroenteritis commonly associated with cruise ships. However, tests ruled this out, and further investigations are ongoing. Food poisoning has not been excluded as a possible cause.

Passengers showing symptoms have been instructed to isolate in their cabins, while those without symptoms have now been allowed to leave the vessel.

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Death of elderly passenger unrelated

The incident was further complicated by the death of an elderly passenger during the voyage. Authorities confirmed that the 92-year-old man died of a heart attack before the ship reached Brest, and that his death is unrelated to the gastrointestinal illnesses reported onboard.

Earlier reports had raised concerns about a possible link between the death and the outbreak, but this has since been dismissed.

No link to hantavirus cases on other vessels

The situation also prompted comparisons with a separate health incident involving the MV Hondius, where a suspected hantavirus cluster had been reported after a voyage departing Argentina. French health officials stressed that there is no connection between the two cases.

While gastrointestinal infections such as gastroenteritis are relatively common and typically mild, hantavirus is rare and significantly more severe.

During the confinement period in Bordeaux, enhanced sanitation measures were implemented across the ship. These included intensified cleaning protocols, assisted service in dining areas, and reinforced hygiene guidance for passengers and crew, such as regular handwashing and prompt reporting of symptoms.

In a statement, the cruise operator said it had implemented health and safety protocols in line with public health procedures and was working closely with local authorities.

The Ambition, which departed from the Shetland Islands on 6 May and called at Belfast and Liverpool before arriving in France, is expected to resume its itinerary towards Spain once clearance is granted.

L’article Cruise ship passengers allowed to disembark in Bordeaux after health scare onboard est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

What started off as a normal cruise on 1 April 2026, carrying 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries, has quickly turned into a global headliner and health concern. Over the course of a few weeks, the MV Hondius – which set out from Argentina – has become the scene of a deadly hantavirus outbreak.

After the first hantavirus cases had been confirmed, the ship first anchored off Cape Verde before heading to Tenerife in order to start evacuating the remaining passengers. Spanish health minister Monica Garcia Gomez, interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and minister for territorial policy Angel Victor Torres Pérez, as well as the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, supervised the delicate operation when the ship arrived on 10 May 2026.

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Desembarco en Tenerife de los pasajeros del Hondius, el crucero de lujo que se ha visto afectado por el Hantavirus

♬ Epic Music(830640) – Pavel

Approximately two days later, on the night of 11 on 12 May 2026, the last evacuees arrived in the Netherlands. The remaining passengers – four Australians, one Briton, and one New Zealander  – and the crew members – 17 Filipinos, a Dutch national, and a German – will stay at a quarantine facility near the Eindhoven airbase before being repatriated to their respective countries.

However, the MV Hondius still had people on board when it left Tenerife. 25 crew members and two medical staff will accompany the ship to Rotterdam. Upon its arrival – expected on Sunday 17 May 2026 – the vessel will be disinfected, and those remaining on board will most likely undergo a quarantine procedure before being repatriated. The WHO has recommended 42 days of isolation for those leaving the MV Hondius.

“Mission accomplished. Between yesterday and today, we have evacuated the 125 passengers and crew members from 23 countries, who have either already returned home or are in the process of being repatriated. The ship, as you can see, has just weighed anchor. It left the port today at 7:00 pm,” said Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia Gomez in Tenerife.

Three new cases

Since the evacuations started, three new cases have been detected. Aside from the three passengers who died due to the virus, this brings the total number of confirmed patients to seven, while an eighth case has been listed as ‘probable’ by the World Health Organization.

One of the five French nationals who were on the ship is among those to have tested positive. The woman started to feel unwell on Sunday evening, 10 May, according to Health Minister Stéphanie Rist. In Spain, one of the fourteen evacuees has tested positive for the hantavirus.

The last confirmed case concerns an American passenger. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the patient tested positive at a biochemical unit in Nebraska and is being monitored alongside fifteen others at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

“We had a CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] team at Tenerife. We had aeroplanes ready to take the patients. We have this under control, and we’re not worried about it,” commented Secretary of Health Robert F Kennedy Jr on the situation.

Although the World Health Organization’s director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has reassured passengers aboard by stating that the risk of another pandemic is low, the WHO has recommended 42 days of isolation for those leaving the MV Hondius. The U.S., however, has decided not to follow its guidelines, which “may have risks,” according to the director general.

L’article Three more cases of hantavirus confirmed as last passengers leave cruise ship est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The temporary measure is not unusual, as a standard election day rule aimed at ensuring electoral procedures are respected and taken seriously, but it may come as a surprise to holidaymakers who may be under the impression that Royal Caribbean benefits from exemptions due to the private nature of some of its facilities.

As is customary, the Commonwealth Observer Group paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas ahead of the forthcoming elections. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Group to formally convey its mandate, reaffirm its commitment to supporting… pic.twitter.com/e7Mpitdmsq

— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) May 10, 2026

There will, however, be no exceptions, a message from the cruise line to passengers confirms. “There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections,” Royal Caribbean stated in a letter to guests. “We’ve explored whether any exceptions could be made; however, this restriction applies nationwide throughout the Bahamas. As a result, alcoholic beverages will not be served at Perfect Day at CocoCay during your visit.”

This means visitors are not allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages anywhere across the Bahamian territory on affected dates, including private islands such as Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay. Cruise lines, however, are permitted to continue selling and serving alcohol on board.

The Group also met with representatives of political parties contesting the General Election to learn more about the political environment and preparations for the vote, and hear their perspectives ahead of the 12 May poll.#CommonwealthElections pic.twitter.com/LxbL5IadiR

— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) May 9, 2026

Royal Caribbean, which is due to have two ships Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas at Coco Cay on 12 May, as well as the Utopia of the Seas at Nassau as part of a 4-night sailing, has confirmed it will comply with the ban, telling PEOPLE that “Royal Caribbean is respecting and complying with all local laws and regulations, as we do with every destination we visit.” Perfect Day at CocoCay and the firm’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will still be open, and alcohol will continue to be served aboard its ships.

The Wonder of the Seas has a 5,734-guest capacity, and the Oasis of the Seas is similar, with room for 5,606 cruisers. The Utopia can welcome 5,668. That totals a potential 11,340 Royal Caribbean passengers who could be impacted by the expectation for election-day sobriety.

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Passenger forums are filled with commentary on the issue, with some would-be party animals expressing disappointment that they will not be able to enjoy an on-shore drink, and others more focused on the monetary implications of the ban, wondering if charges such as the cruise line’s RCBC credit card holding fees would be waived on that day, or whether drinks packages would be adjusted, or on-board charges would be waived to take the port side restrictions into account. The cruise line’s letter to guests, seen by Travel Tomorrow, did not mention any such compensation.

L’article No alcohol for cruise passengers and holidaymakers in Bahamas during 12 May elections est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The five-day sailing will depart from Miami, Florida, heading for Mexico’s Cozumel, and Great Stirrup Cay Island in the Bahamas. And, as if the sun-soaked destinations were not crowd-pleasing enough, the cruise will present a line-up of Broadway stars, ready to keep guests entertained.

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Tony Award winning performers Darren Criss (who rose to fame in Glee), Norbert Leo Butz, (one of only nine actors ever to have won the coveted Best Actor award twice), and Adrienne Warren (beloved for playing Tina Turner), will be joined by controversial Broadway veteran and three-time Tony winner, Patti LuPone.

A host of other musical theatre names will also be aboard, including Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, Micaela Diamond, Norm Lewis, and Marissa Jaret Winokur, alongside Tony-winning composer Marc Shaiman, and three-time Tony-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, known for “Kinky Boots” and “La Cage aux Folles.”

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There will be mainstage performances, such as “Mama I’m a Big Girl Now!” from Hairspray, featuring Winokur, Bundy, and Butler, who originally incarnated the roles of Tracy, Penny, and Amber in the show. Audiences will also have the chance to take part in dance lessons, discussions on show creation, interactive theatrical events, workshops, and Q&As.

Sixthman has been going since 2001, serving over half a million guests on over 200 vacations “on sand and at sea” where artists, athletes, actors, and comedians are part of the itinerary. Described by Sixthman as “carefully curated, intimate events” they aim to create “truly immersive experiences that celebrate community and change expectations of what a vacation can be.”

Jeff Cuellar, Sixthman’s chief executive officer has described the musical theatre voyage as “Broadway without walls, an all-access experience at sea where fans and legends collide.” He added: “For five extraordinary nights, the ship becomes the stage, the backstage, and everything in between. Nothing else comes close.”

Themed cruises are increasingly popular with holidaymakers. Alongside Disney’s themed boats, other companies are catering to demand. Princess Cruises has been operating a “Love Boat Cruise” since 2022, celebrating one of the most popular and successful TV comedy-dramas of its time. Miami-based Windstar has launched art-themed “Masterclass at Sea” sailings, and numerous cruise lines offer solar-eclipse-focused voyages, to name just a few. The trend aligns with travel consumers’ desire to combine vacations with specific interests and hobbies, turning their time away into an experience.

L’article Sixthman opens pre-sales for fourth Broadway-themed cruise est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

When the cruise ship operated by the Dutch company M/V Hondius set off from Argentina on 1 April 2026, ready to explore Antarctica and multiple islands in the South Atlantic, all seemed fine. However, on 6 April 2026, a Dutch 70-year-old passenger fell ill, and he died just a couple of days later, on 11 April 2026. Only on 24 April 2026, his body was removed from the ship at St. Helena. His wife, a 69-year-old Dutch woman, leaves the ship at the same time and takes a flight to South Africa, where she dies on 26 April 2026 after falling ill during the journey.

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Meanwhile, on the ship, other passengers start falling ill. On 27 April, a traveller is evacuated to South Africa, and a woman who started showing symptoms on 28 April dies onboard the ship on 2 May 2026.

That same day, the first lab results start coming in. They confirm that the passenger who was evacuated to South Africa on 27 April suffers from hantavirus. On 4 May, a second (posthumous) test shows that the Dutch woman who died on 26 April also had hantavirus.

@bbcnews Three people have died and another passenger is seriously ill following a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, which is currently off the coast of Cape Verde. #CruiseShip #Cruise #CapeVerde #Hantavirus #News #BBCNews ♬ original sound – BBC News

Since the arrival of the cruise ship in Cape Verde on 3 May 2026, authorities have been investigating what is now considered to be a hantavirus outbreak. Although only two cases have been confirmed, the WHO is confident that other deaths and illnesses have been caused by the same virus. Two other passengers who fell ill have already been evacuated.

The WHO is investigating the outbreak. Although hantavirus is spread by rodents – especially by contact with infected rodents’ saliva, urine, or droppings – the organisation is studying the possibility of rare human-to-human transmission.

“We do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that’s happening among the really close contacts, the husband and wife, people who have shared cabins, et cetera,” stated Maria Van Kerkhove, director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention at the WHO.

#Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel:
Since 1 April when the boat set sail, of the 147 passengers and crew, 7 people have become ill, among whom 3 have died, 1 is critically ill and 3 are reporting mild symptoms.

Based on the current information, including how… pic.twitter.com/KDKwmrNeBt

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 5, 2026

Such human-to-human transmission is rare but can happen through really close contact, especially with the Andes virus, a specific case of hantavirus. As the Dutch couple who fell ill first had been travelling through Argentina and South America before boarding, it is possible the passengers are suffering from the specific variant, although nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

“At present, the risk to the general population in Europe from this outbreak is considered very low, given that appropriate infection prevention and control measures are being implemented on board and that hantaviruses are not easily spread between people. It is not yet known whether transmission in the current outbreak occurred through environmental exposure or between individuals, and the specific hantavirus involved has not yet been identified,” the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said in a statement on Monday, 4 May 2026.

At the moment of writing, the cruise ship has set sail for the Canary Islands, a journey that should take approximately three days. Once arrived, Spain’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that a team of epidemiologists will go on board to screen the passengers for symptoms and assess the risks. In the meantime, crew members and passengers aboard the ship have been isolated in cabins and are applying maximal physical distancing in order to minimise further risks of contamination.

L’article Deadly hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship went on for weeks before being confirmed est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.