The Dutch expedition cruise ship Hondius, which was previously linked to a hantavirus outbreak that resulted in 10 confirmed infections and three deaths, has been declared virus-free and cleared to resume operations, according to local authorities in the Netherlands on May 31.
A notice issued by Rotterdam health authorities said the vessel underwent a comprehensive disinfection process at the Port of Rotterdam, carried out by a professional cleaning company.
Following inspections by public health experts, authorities determined that all required health and safety standards had been met, allowing the ship to return to service.
Dutch operator Oceanwide Expeditions expects to resume scheduled voyages aboard the Hondius on June 13.
The vessel's next planned expedition is set to depart from Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen Island and sail through the archipelagos of the North Atlantic region.
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