90-Second Read: Exclusive: Oceanwide CEO on Hantavirus outbreak, impact and recovery

Cruise Trade News sat down with Oceanwide Expeditions chief executive Remi Bouysset to hear how the tragic events unfolded, and how the line reacted swiftly to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. The spread of Hantavirus on MV Hondius became global news very quickly and drew comparisons to the coronavirus pandemic. We will review the questionnaire we send to passengers before they embark to see if they have been travelling in South America prior to boarding, as that is where Hantavirus is most endemic, and we will act accordingly. Three people lost their lives, there are people still in quarantine and it has had a huge impact on all the passengers and crew who were on board.

We had good, kind people on board who understood the gravity of the situation and were calm and respectful, and there was very strong leadership from the captain and crew who kept the passengers updated with information as circumstances developed. The key thing we need is an education and awareness campaign so passengers know it is safe to come to the region and that there are procedures in place in case something like this were to happen again. We also need to involve local authorities in Ushuaia to ensure there is a medical facility capable of handling a viral outbreak. What was the reaction from the onboard passengers and crew?

First and foremost, this entire situation was a tragedy. At the initial virus breakout, it felt like the movie Alien : there was a monster on board that no one could see, and it was killing people. We have been around for 35 years and we're not going anywhere. The next Antarctic season is coming and cruise lines are scheduled to bring 80,000 passengers to the region so we need to work out how to do that safely and efficiently.

Unsurprisingly, we got a lot of concerned calls from customers scheduled to sail this summer, but once we explained the cleaning and safety procedures we have taken, we undoubtedly have the cleanest ship in service now, we didn't have any cancellations. What message do you want to share in the wake of this tragedy?