The Hondius cruise ship has departed from Spitsbergen with 132 passengers and a medical professional for an eight-day journey through the Arctic. The ship was previously involved in a significant outbreak of a severe strain of hantavirus in May, resulting in three fatalities, including two Dutch citizens. Following the incident, the Hondius underwent nearly three weeks of intensive cleaning and disinfection in Rotterdam and received clearance from public health authorities. Passenger numbers are lower for this voyage due to cancellations stemming from the extended cleaning period. Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship’s owner, is reviewing safety protocols with health organizations, particularly for travel to areas with known hantavirus presence, though this current itinerary does not include such regions. Future voyages are expected to proceed with normal passenger capacity.