Cruise Influencers: Hantavirus Fears Overblown

Cruise influencers Rich and Jasmine Ramnarine, who regularly travel with their young daughters, have stated that the hantavirus outbreak should not deter people from booking cruises. They expressed sadness that the virus has negatively impacted the cruise industry, emphasizing that travelers do not intend to spread sickness.

The couple believes that cruise ships are safe environments due to consistent cleaning and stringent safety precautions. They are prepared for potential testing requirements if the virus becomes a significant concern. This perspective comes as an outbreak on the MV Hondius has led to three confirmed deaths and one passenger in critical condition, with eleven total cases linked to the ship.

Despite the severity of the MV Hondius incident, where some passengers debarked and traveled internationally before being traced, the influencers maintain a positive outlook. They acknowledge the potential for hantavirus to escalate but reiterate their confidence in the safety measures employed by cruise lines. Seventeen American passengers are observing a 42-day quarantine as a precaution, and one American doctor has tested positive and is in isolation.