Debarkation is being refused to passengers on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn at the end of the current 12-night one-way voyage from Cape Town, South Africa, to Port Louis, Mauritius.

Due to gastrointestinal disease on board, local officials have taken the difficult choice to quarantine the ship, and they are taking extra precautions to make sure it’s not a cholera epidemic.

Reproductive Disorders on Norwegian Dawn

The 92,250 gross ton Norwegian Dawn has seen a “small number” of passengers experience “mild symptoms” of gastrointestinal disease. Although the precise symptoms are unknown, they most likely involve the typical norovirus symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

But before passengers on Norwegian Dawn are permitted to disembark, Mauritius authorities are mandating further testing and a two-day quarantine period because similar symptoms can also be signs of cholera or other, more deadly infections.

“Upon the ship’s return to Port Louis, Mauritius, the vessel’s management team met with local authorities to confirm precautions and actions were being taken to ensure the wellbeing of all on board,” a statement from a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson said.

“Due to additional testing being required by local authorities before being allowed entry, the government of Mauritius has delayed disembarkation for the current cruise and embarkation for the next cruise by two days to February 27, 2024.”

Although about fifteen individuals were sampled by port officials for further testing, it is unclear if this is a representative sample to confirm the ailment type or if all passengers on board have reported symptoms. The situation is also made clear by a statement from the Mauritius Ports Authority.
The Mauritius Ports Authority said, “This morning, officers from the Ministry of Health and Well-being took samples from approximately fifteen passengers on board the cruise ship ‘Norwegian Dawn’ due to a health risk.” “Due to their health, these passengers were kept in isolation on board the cruise ship.”

Over 100 Cruise Passengers Ill on Cunard-Operated Ship

The verification of test findings will take about 48 hours. Travelers wishing to join Norwegian Dawn to start their cruise—a 12-night return itinerary back to Cape Town—must postpone their embarkation until then. Guests already on board the ship must stay aboard.

Support Provided for Affected Visitors

To arrange alternate arrangements, Norwegian Cruise Line is coordinating with passengers on Norwegian Dawn.

“As a result of a decision made by local government officials, we will not be arriving in Port Louis, Mauritius [on February 25] and you will not be disembarking the ship,” a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms read. “We are working closely with all relevant parties to try to expedite disembarkation.”

“We have been informed that we will most likely be able to disembark on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.”

In order to help guests onboard make the required arrangements for their journey after the voyage, such as modifying their air travel plans or getting in touch with family members, the cruise line has offered telephone access and complimentary internet packages.

The flights of those who booked their airfare through Norwegian Cruise Line will be immediately rescheduled to the new embarkation date, and they will get updated travel itinerary confirmations as soon as they become available.

If a guest has booked their own flights, they should get in touch with the airlines or travel agency and work with any travel insurance company to see what possibilities are available for reimbursement. Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line is willing to reimburse up to $300 (USD) per person, with the proper evidence, for any travel modification expenditures that are not covered by insurance or the airline.

Cruise Ship Illness: Self-Protection Strategies

Additionally, for any published sailing through December 31, 2025, all guests being kept aboard Norwegian Dawn will now receive a 15% discount (in the form of a future cruise credit).

Up until the ship is cleared and the next cruise can start, guests who are waiting to board the ship to start their journey are housed at nearby hotels.

On any given cruise, Norwegian Dawn can accommodate 2,340 guests and has approximately 1,000 international crew members working for her.

Topics #Cruise Ship #Denied Entry to Debark