Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Granted Docking In Mauritius After Cholera Fear

Around 2,000 passengers were unable to disembark from the cruise due to pending findings from health tests.

Updated on: 27 February 2024 4:43 pm

Norwegian Dawn Cruise Photo: Getty images

A Norwegian Cruise Line ship, the Norwegian Dawn, has been given the green light to dock at the main port of Mauritius. The vessel, which had been denied entry over the weekend due to concerns about a potential cholera outbreak, received permission on Monday to dock at Port Louis.

The Mauritius Ports Authority had initially refused entry to the Norwegian Dawn, citing health risks associated with a suspected cholera outbreak onboard. However, sample testing conducted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Monday confirmed that the disease was not present on the ship.

As a result, the Norwegian Dawn has been cleared for entry into Port Louis, with disembarkation of all guests scheduled to commence early Tuesday morning, local time.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that upon the ship's arrival in Port Louis on February 25, 2024, a small number of guests reported mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness. However, subsequent testing revealed no confirmed cases or evidence of cholera onboard.

During the delay, approximately 15 passengers underwent testing by health officials, with those affected also subject to quarantine onboard. Test results pending on Sunday prevented around 2,000 passengers from disembarking the vessel.

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In response to the situation, Norwegian Cruise Line is providing assistance to affected passengers, including arranging flight accommodations at no extra cost and offering complimentary hotel stays where necessary. Passengers impacted by the delay will also receive a future cruise credit.

Originally scheduled to welcome 2,279 new guests, the Norwegian Dawn will now board its new passengers on Tuesday afternoon. These guests have been offered a complimentary two-day hotel stay in Mauritius, per-diems, prorated refunds, and future cruise credits as compensation for the delay.