Hantavirus-infected cruise ship Hondius set to sail again

The cruise ship MV Hondius, which previously carried passengers infected with hantavirus, has been cleared to resume its voyages after undergoing a comprehensive disinfection and cleaning process in Rotterdam.

Public health authorities in the Dutch port city confirmed on Friday, following a final inspection, that there are no public health obstacles preventing the Hondius from sailing again. The ship's owner, Oceanwide Expeditions, had previously announced that the MV Hondius would depart Rotterdam upon completion of the inspection and recommence its scheduled itinerary starting June 13.

While the ship was initially slated to visit several locations in Iceland in early June, these visits are now considered unlikely, according to the ship's local agent in Iceland. The vessel's return to service marks a significant step after the health scare, with stringent measures taken to ensure passenger safety.