The recent hantavirus outbreak on a transatlantic cruise ship is unlikely to deter Filipino seafarers from working in the cruise industry, according to a labor migration expert. Emmanuel S. Geslani told Arab News that the incident is an extraordinary event and should not cause concern. He emphasized that Filipino seafarers rely on the sea for their livelihood and will not be discouraged by such isolated incidents.
The Philippines is the world's leading source of maritime labor, supplying up to 30 percent of all international shipping crews. In 2025, more than 589,100 Filipino seafarers were deployed, with around 137,200 working on passenger vessels. The Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius experienced a hantavirus outbreak after departing from Tierra del Fuego in Argentine Patagonia on March 20 with 149 people on board. Among the 59 crew members, 38 were from the Philippines. The ship docked at Ushuaia, Argentina, before setting sail again on April 1, during which the outbreak occurred. Twelve cases of hantavirus and three deaths have been reported.
Geslani noted that the outbreak was exceptional, as passengers likely contracted the virus during inland excursions and only showed symptoms after reboarding. He added that similar outbreaks have been contained and managed effectively in the past. All Filipino seafarers aboard tested negative for the virus and are currently serving a 42-day quarantine in the Netherlands. The Philippine government confirmed that 21 crew members were flown to the Netherlands after health assessments, while the remaining 17 stayed on the MV Hondius until it docked in Rotterdam on May 18.
Geslani assured that medical personnel are constantly monitoring the crew, and the ship's owner is committed to their safety and health. Official reassurances have motivated many Filipinos to pursue cruise ship work, especially those gaining experience in the Middle East's hospitality industry. Pastry chef Shaheen Tandong, who aspires to work on cruise ships, expressed confidence that the hantavirus scare would be resolved, similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted the appeal of shorter contracts lasting six to eight months, which allow her to spend more time with her child compared to land-based jobs that often require years without vacation.
Tandong, a graduate of a maritime school in the southern Philippines, noted that many of her classmates have been hired by cruise companies like MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Despite the demanding nature of cruise ship work, the opportunity to visit different countries remains a major attraction for seafarers.
