The unusual hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch expedition ship MV Hondius has raised difficult questions about disease preparedness at sea, human transmission risks, and how modern cruise ships respond when rare infections emerge far from land
WHO update: The WHO says seven people became ill, including three deaths, in the hantavirus cluster on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Human-to-human transmission may have occurred, report specialists. "Based on the current information, including how hantavirus spreads, WHO assesses the risk to the global population from this event as low"
Hantavirus originates in animals and also infects humans, although it is not transmitted between them. The dangerous virus can cause severe lung or kidney damage and even death. Here's how to recognize symptoms and reduce the risk of infection. Also: the bad news about treatment and mortality rates
Amid a surge in inbound tourism and worsening labor shortages: Japan has launched its first airport trial of humanoid robots to support baggage handling and operations, tackling workforce shortages in aviation
San José Mineta International Airport introduces an AI humanoid robot that assists passengers in 50+ languages, offering real-time help at Terminal B
MSC Cruises has announced the upgraded entertainment program for the 2026 sailing season. What to expect? Anything from live music and family disco parties to games with humanoid robots and dogs, and LEGO parades
Some travelers arrive at the airport with a passport and a plane ticket; others arrive with turtles, ammunition or “training aids” that look like bombs. The TSA’s 2025 Unusual Findings Rankings are a crash course in human imagination, and the limits of security personnel’s patience
The Mexican Navy has rescued a passenger who fell from a Viking Cruises ship during a cruise. "The rescue operations reaffirm the commitment of the Mexican Navy, which acts as a coast guard, to protecting human life at sea."
Larnaca, Cyprus, has been awarded the prestigious title of "Capital of Culture" for 2030, after beating its neighbor, Limassol. "A historic moment for all who believed in the vision of a more humane, inclusive, and sustainable city."
Wizz Air's Amelia chatbot provides personalized service and access to four different languages, with human support available according to regional availability
United Hatzalah warns Rabbi's followers flying to Uman for Chanukah about slipping due to ice and snow on the streets, and also cautions about the very cold weather there
