Passengers now trapped aboard the infected cruise ship MV Hondius had been sipping coffee in sleek lounges and soaking in picturesque views just days earlier – before a suspected hantavirus outbreak claimed three lives.
An April 1 TikTok video from Boston-based travel influencer Jake Rosmarin – who also posted a tearful update about the dire situation now aboard the Dutch cruise liner Monday – shows the 353-foot expedition vessel in all its polished glory before chaos hit.
The clip captures the gleaming interiors that stretch seven decks: plush lounge seating, a sprawling dining room with floor-to-ceiling wine storage and colorful common spaces framed by panoramic views.
“I’m entering on deck four – this is where the lobby is,” Rosmarin says in the clip, panning the camera to show leather seating and a food ordering station.
He then moves into the “very big” dining room, lined with green-upholstered booths and expansive windows showcasing the seascape.
Below, on deck three, Rosmarin points out Zodiac boarding zones and his “twin porthole room,” featuring two beds, a red suede couch, a desk, ample closet space and a “beautiful” bathroom with a glass, walk-in shower, the clip shows.
Up on deck five, the lux amenities continue with a mid-century modern-style lounge, bar, lecture hall, library and a 24/7 coffee and tea station, according to the video.
@jakerosmarin A look inside my home for the next 35 days 🌊 This is the MV Hondius, the expedition ship I’m currently sailing on with @Oceanwide Expeditions as we make our way across the Atlantic I’m staying in a twin porthole cabin, and for my first time on board, I have to say… I’m genuinely so impressed. The ship is stunning and it really does feel like such a comfortable place to call home for the next few weeks I’ve previously sailed with Oceanwide on both the Plancius and Ortelius, so it’s really cool to now experience a third ship in their fleet and see how each one offers something a little different The Hondius was built specifically for expedition travel, carrying around 170 passengers, which allows it to access remote places that larger ships simply can’t reach ✨ Built in 2019 ✨ Designed to Polar Class 6 standards, meaning it’s made for navigating ice in both the Arctic and Antarctic ✨ Purpose built for exploration in some of the most remote regions on Earth What makes this experience so special is that the ship is designed to bring you closer to the destinations Oceanwide Expeditions specializes in polar travel and unique expedition itineraries, focusing on wildlife, remote landscapes, and immersive experiences That means things like: 🌊 Zodiac landings in remote locations 🐧 Wildlife focused itineraries 🧭 Expedition guides with deep knowledge of the regions we’re exploring And for this voyage… it means 35 days crossing the Atlantic to some of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth Still kind of surreal to say that out loud Also yes… this is officially my “semester at sea” 😂 . . . . . #oceanwideexp #semesteratsea #travelinspiration #shiptour #epicadventure
Deck seven offers access to a bridge and the captain’s cabin – “where the most important stuff happens,” Rosmarin says – noting an open-door policy when permitted.
“Last but not least, I will show you the outer decks, which is where you spend most of your time on an expedition because you get all of the views from up here,” Rosmarin says as the clip shows sweeping views from the boat’s exterior.
The influencer’s video tour began circulating again Monday, after the MV Hondius was refused permission to dock in the West African island nation of Cape Verde.
About 150 people from 23 countries remain stuck on the 80-cabin vessel after three people — a Dutch couple and a German national — died following the suspected hantavirus outbreak. Medics were working to try to evacuate two staffers with symptoms of the deadly virus.
The ship, which is carrying 17 Americans, was on a weeks-long polar cruise from Argentina to Antarctica when trouble was detected early last month.
A 70-year-old Dutch man died on April 11 after developing a fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhea, officials said.
A third passenger, identified as a German national, died on the ship on Saturday.
The three fatalities haven’t all been confirmed yet as resulting from hantavirus — a rare infection spread by rodents that can cause serious respiratory illness or hemorrhagic fever — however, more tests are under way.
