For anyone working in expedition cruising, the past week has been difficult.

Oceanwide Expeditions, one of the founding members of Expedition Cruise Network, has found itself at the centre of intense media attention following the hantavirus outbreak linked to passengers from MV Hondius.

Investigations are still ongoing as the ship makes its way to Tenerife, where the remaining guests are expected to disembark.

Much of the mainstream media coverage has featured sensational headlines and speculation, often making little distinction between ocean cruising and true expedition operations.

Yet behind those headlines is a company many of us in the industry know well, and one that deserves recognition for the way it has handled an extraordinarily challenging situation.

'I spend time with ECN members'

I sailed onboard MV Hondius last year and came away deeply impressed, not only by the ship itself, but by the professionalism, expertise and sense of purpose that defines Oceanwide Expeditions.

As chief executive and co-founder of Expedition Cruise Network, I spend a great deal of time with our members, but there is always something different about experiencing an operator first-hand. Oceanwide’s passion for exploration is impossible to miss.

Oceanwide is a company with decades of polar experience behind it. A full member of both the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), Oceanwide has earned enormous respect within the expedition community for operating in some of the most remote and environmentally sensitive places on Earth. They are also known for pushing boundaries responsibly, often reaching destinations few others attempt.

What many outside the sector may not realise is how tightly regulated these regions are. South Georgia alone has invested more than £10 million into eradicating invasive species to protect its wildlife eco-systems. Vessels visiting the island are subject to rigorous biosecurity controls and inspections long before passengers ever step ashore.

While the investigation must be allowed to run its course, there is currently no indication that exposure to virus occurred onboard the vessel itself. Viruses and unexpected illnesses are unfortunately part of life everywhere, but stories connected to cruise ships inevitably attract a different level of public attention.

Crisis communications is 'never easy'

What has stood out most to me throughout this week is Oceanwide’s response. In a moment when many companies would retreat behind legal statements and silence, they have remained visible, responsive and transparent.

Crisis communication is never easy when emotions are high and facts are still emerging, but Oceanwide has shown calm leadership and genuine care for its passengers, partners and wider community. Will this affect expedition cruising long term? I don't believe so.

Adventurous travellers will always be drawn to what expedition cruise companies are uniquely equipped to deliver – extraordinary, safe and enriching experiences in some of the most remarkable places on Earth. The people attracted to this form of travel often understand that nature is powerful, unpredictable and humbling, and that is precisely part of the appeal of expedition cruise travel.

What will endure is humanity’s curiosity about the world around us. Operators like Oceanwide Expeditions continue to make these experiences possible with expertise, preparation and deep respect for the environments they visit. Like every responsible expedition operator, they will learn from this moment and emerge even stronger.

Akvile Marozaite is chief executive of the Expedition Cruise Network.