Hantavirus Outbreak, New Viking CEO and Biggest Cruise News Stories From May

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Fri May 29, 2026

May was a whirlwind month for the cruise industry, delivering everything from exciting christenings to a global health emergency at sea. Several new river cruise ships officially set sail, while ocean-going vessels made their long-awaited debuts in Alaska just as the summer season ramped up. In case you missed them, here are the biggest cruise news stories of May 2026.

Rare Hantavirus Outbreak Kills Cruise Passengers

By far the biggest cruise news story of the month was the MV Hondius, which made global headlines after three people died from a rare hantavirus outbreak aboard the vessel. Passengers were eventually medically evacuated in the Canary Islands, with Americans being sent to a specialized quarantine facility in Omaha, Nebraska.

“All passengers and crew remain in quarantine and under close monitoring to ensure they receive care if needed,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, shared in a recent update. “The situation is stable for now. We continue to remain vigilant and in close contact with all relevant governments.”

Viking Announces Leah Talactac as New CEO, Torstein Hagen as Executive Chairman

Viking unveiled a major leadership shakeup this month. Leah Talactac is replacing Torstein Hagen as chief executive officer of Viking, the company he founded nearly 30 years ago. Hagen will become the brand’s executive chairman, with a focus on long-term strategy, while also continuing to serve as chairman of Viking’s board of directors. Talactac has served as Viking’s president and chief financial officer since January 2025, and has been a member of the company’s executive team since 2006. She’ll retain the president title in her new role. Meanwhile, Linh Banh will replace Talactac as chief financial officer.

Viking, Leah Talactac, people, cruise presidents

Oceania Cruises Eliminates Non‑Commissionable Cruise Fares on New Itineraries

This month, Oceania Cruises announced it will eliminate non‑commissionable cruise fares (NCFs) on all newly launched sailings. The cruise line's move comes just months after industry giant Norwegian Cruise Line did away with controversial NCFs. The change is effective with the launch of new Oceania itineraries spanning the 2028 summer and 2028-2029 winter seasons and 2028 and 2029 Around the World voyages. New season launches are set to open for sale this May and June.

American Cruise Lines Celebrates Christening of American Encore

American Cruise Lines christened its newest ship, American Encore, in Lewiston, Idaho, this month during the five-deck vessel’s inaugural sailing, the 9-day “Columbia & Snake Rivers” cruise that departed from Stevenson, Washington. The cruise line and the Port of Lewiston teamed up to construct a new dock, which provides additional space for American’s ships. The ship’s godmother is Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who served for 20 years as the U.S. representative for Washington's fifth congressional district.

Windstar Cruises Unveils New 'Peace of Mind Promise'

This month, Windstar Cruises introduced a new “Peace of Mind Promise” to give travelers flexibility and itinerary protection for eligible 2026 and 2027 sailings. The program protects the entire Windstar-booked journey, including the cruise, shore excursions, hotels, air and transfers. Guests can cancel up to seven days prior to departure and retain the majority of their trip value as a future cruise credit that is valid for 24 months and may be applied to any Windstar voyage worldwide. The benefit is automatically being included at no additional cost on eligible sailings departing through March 31, 2027, and applies to both new reservations and existing bookings already under deposit.

Cruise Lines Celebrate National Travel Advisor Appreciation Month

May is Travel Advisor Appreciation Month and, to celebrate, cruise lines rolled out a wide range of incentives designed to reward advisors. Celebrity Cruises, Hurtigruten, Silversea and Azamara Cruises and Cunard were among the numerous lines that celebrated.

Amadeus River Cruises Christens Newest Ship Amadeus Aurea in Amsterdam

This month, Amadeus River Cruises celebrated the christening of its newest vessel, Amadeus Aurea, in Amsterdam. On May 12, the line’s owners and founders — Dr. Wolfgang and Mrs. Martina Lueftner and their three daughters, who help run the company — were joined by company executives, support staff, shipyard representatives, local dignitaries, business partners, select loyalty members and the ship’s godmother, Kristie Keller.

One of Amadeus Aurea's standard B-1 staterooms.

Seabourn Encore Kicks Off Inaugural Alaska Season

In May, Seabourn Encore arrived in Vancouver for the first time, officially marking the start of Seabourn’s 2026 Alaska season. From now through September, the vessel will offer seven- to 14-day voyages between Vancouver and Juneau. With Seabourn Encore’s inaugural Alaska season, the cruise line is also introducing its first regionally inspired culinary program, a collection of destination-driven dining, beverage and on-deck experiences.

VIVA Cruises Christens First Ship in New Premium Line

In May, VIVA Cruises christened VIVA BEYOND, the first ship in the brand’s new premium VIVA Boutique line. The vessel was christened in Paris by godmother Cecilie Kopperud, a Norwegian travel industry leader. The ceremony was hosted by Danish journalist Annamette Fuhrmann. A second ship, VIVA UNIQUE, is slated to join the VIVA Boutique fleet, sailing on Italy’s Po River starting in 2027.

Mexico Shuts Down Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Project

Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico private cruise destination in Mahahual will not move forward after officials rejected the development due to environmental concerns this month. According to Reuters, Environment Minister Alicia Barcena told reporters that the $600 million project "is not going to be approved" on Tuesday, one day after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concerns over the sprawling site, which would be able to accommodate as many as 21,000 guests per day.

The project, which was to be similar to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, was planned to include pools, bars, beach clubs and dozens of water slides and debut in the fall of 2027. The cruise giant told Reuters it regretted the decision but respected it and will continue to work with Mexican officials on future development.

Virgin Voyages Kicks Off Inaugural Alaska Season

This month, Virgin Voyages kicked off its inaugural Alaska season aboard new ship Brilliant Lady. The vessel is sailing 17 new voyages spanning 12 destinations from now through September, with departures available from Seattle and Vancouver. Following the Alaska season, Brilliant Lady will head to Los Angeles this fall, then to Miami for her winter season—with a 16-night Panama Canal sailing among the highlights.

Multiple People Injured After Ceiling Collapses at Cruise Ship Dining Venue

In mid-May, passengers aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship Norwegian Luna got a surprise during dinner when part of the ceiling collapsed inside a popular dining spots. According to one passenger’s video of the accident, posted to TikTok, a large ceiling panel collapsed inside The Local Bar & Grill, the ship’s only complimentary 24-hour restaurant, located on Deck 8. In a statement, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that multiple passengers received medical attention for minor injuries.

Windstar Cruises Celebrates Star Seeker's Alaska Debut

Windstar Cruises’ new ship Star Seeker kicked off its inaugural Alaska season this month. The 224-guest vessel, which debuted in December 2025, is spending the summer exploring No. 49 before heading to Japan later this year. The cruise line also opened bookings for its 2028 Alaska cruise season, which includes 27 departures across six itineraries.

MSC Cruises Celebrates MSC Poesia's Arrival in Seattle for First Alaska Season

MSC Cruises celebrated the arrival of the newly refreshed MSC Poesia in Seattle this month, marking the start of the cruise line’s first-ever Alaska season and establishing Seattle as its newest U.S. homeport. MSC Poesia is sailing seven-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle through September 2026, calling at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau in Alaska, along with Victoria, British Columbia.

Riviera Travel to Launch New Cruise Ship in April 2028

Riviera Travel announced this month that it plans to expand its Radiance Class fleet with the debut of Riviera Rhapsody in April 2028. Joining sister ships Riviera Radiance, Riviera Resplendence and Riviera Reflection, Riviera Rhapsody will launch on April 1, 2028, beginning with the Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam & The Dutch Bulbfields itinerary along the Dutch Waterways. The ship will then reposition to the Rhine River for the summer, sailing a range of Riviera’s most popular river cruise itineraries, including the Rhine Cruise to Switzerland.

The new Riviera Radiance docked in Spitz, Austria

Princess Cruises' Star Princess Sets Sail on Inaugural Alaska Season

In early May, Princess Cruises celebrated the start of Star Princess’ inaugural Alaska season. From now through September 13, the ship is sailing 20 weekly roundtrip voyages from Seattle’s Pier 91 through Alaska’s Inside Passage, visiting destinations like Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. For the 2026 and 2027 Alaska seasons, Star Princess is joining Royal Princess, which also sails weekly from Seattle’s Pier 91 to the Inside Passage.

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