The MV Hondius cruise ship is due to arrive Monday at the Netherlands’ Port of Rotterdam, where the remaining crew will disembark and the vessel will be disinfected, according to ship owner Oceanwide Expeditions.
Subscribe to read this story ad-free
Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
The Hondius is at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak that has killed three people and placed dozens into quarantine. Passengers have disembarked in a lengthy process involving multiple countries and the World Health Organization that began last week.
So far, one Canadian passenger has tested positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus and has been hospitalized for care and isolation. Their spouse, who is also showing mild symptoms, was hospitalized as well, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
When the ship arrives Monday, crew members and medical staff still on board will disembark in a staggered process, Oceanwide Expeditions said. None of those who remain on the ship are currently symptomatic.
The vessel will be cleaned and disinfected “in close coordination” with the disembarking process, the company added. Its arrival at the Rotterdam port is expected between 10 a.m. and noon local time, though that is subject to change.
A company spokesperson said “all current indications” point to the ship returning to service after it is cleaned and disinfected.
“Once the process is complete and conclusions have been reached in consultation with the relevant authorities, we will communicate accordingly,” spokesperson Kiki Hirschfeldt told NBC News.
The ship already appears to be accepting bookings for expeditions to Antarctica in November and December, according to listings with the travel company Antarctica Cruises.
