The cruise ship Hondius has departed the port of Rotterdam to begin a new expedition to Spitsbergen after a nearly three-week stay. The vessel’s departure follows a hantavirus outbreak and a subsequent thorough cleaning of the ship, according to local reports.
How the Vessel Was Cleared for Travel
The Hondius remained in the port of Rotterdam for almost three weeks to address health concerns following the virus outbreak. According to reports, the ship underwent a comprehensive cleaning process to ensure the environment was sanitized before it was permitted to leave the harbor.
Once the cleaning protocols were completed, the ship set its course for Spitsbergen to proceed with its planned expedition.
Addressing the Hantavirus Outbreak
The ship’s prolonged stay in the Netherlands was necessitated by the discovery of hantavirus on board. While the specific number of affected individuals was not disclosed in the available reports, the priority for port authorities and the cruise operator was a rigorous disinfection of the vessel to prevent further transmission.
