Australian cruise ship passengers in quarantine after hantavirus evacuation; legal experts doubt compensation prospects

Six passengers evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship—operated by Oceanwide Expeditions—are quarantining at Bullsbrook Centre near Perth after potential hantavirus exposure. The Dutch-flagged vessel's outbreak has resulted in 11 cases and 3 deaths across Europe. Australian legal experts debate compensation prospects: Dr. Sagi Peari suggests Australian consumer law may apply despite Netherlands jurisdiction clauses, citing High Court precedent and potential negligence claims. However, Vicky Antzoulatos, who led the Ruby Princess COVID-19 class action, warns the cruise company will likely argue Australian courts lack jurisdiction and that the incident occurred outside Australia. She notes the company's terms explicitly exclude liability for medical evacuations and medical services. European consumer protections under Netherlands law may offer better remedies than Australian law.