MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak: A luxury expedition cruise boom and new world of remote travel risks

Remote expedition cruises to places like Antarctica and the Arctic are booming as affluent travelers increasingly seek out isolated, experience-driven destinations far from traditional tourism infrastructure. The global cruise industry serviced a record 37.2 million passengers in 2025, up 7.5% from 2024, according to Cruise Lines International Association, with passenger volume expected to approach 42 million by 2028. Within that growth, expedition cruising has emerged as one of the industry's hottest segments. Ritu Panesar, founder and president of luxury travel company Travelpod, said her clients routinely spend between $30,000 and $50,000 per person on remote expedition itineraries, often booked months or even years in advance. "People are looking for experiences that feel transformative and rare," Panesar said. "They want access to destinations that still feel untouched." Interest in Antarctica trips was up 34% year-over-year through the first four months of 2026, according to Jacqueline Mondelli, chief marketing officer at travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth, reflecting continued demand for high-end expedition travel despite rising costs and growing awareness of the logistical and medical risks tied to remote travel. Travel risk experts and insurers told CNBC the deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition vessel MV Hondius is not likely to dent the appeal of remote expeditions. …