Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed a passenger and four crew members have tested positive for coronavirus on its Braemar ship.
The line has cancelled the 924-passenger vessel’s next scheduled voyage which was due to depart from Bridgetown, Barbados, on Thursday and arrive in Southampton on March 28.
Another passenger has recorded an inconclusive result and another had a negative result, the line said.
Those who have returned positive results or are presenting “flu-like symptoms” will remain in isolation.
They will also receive treatment from the onboard medical team.
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Tests were carried out after two former passengers who left the ship last week recorded positive test results.
Fred Olsen said the ship which had been due to end its cruise in Barbados is now heading to the Bahamas.
In a statement, Fred Olsen said: “The highest level of sanitisation is already in operation aboard the ship, which includes the suspension of self-service buffets and increasing cleaning around the ship.
“The safety and wellbeing of all our guests and crew is our number one priority. We are currently working with the Bahamas, the UK government, UK Chamber of Shipping and Public Health England to ensure that all guests can return home as soon as possible.”
Fred Olsen said Braemar will now reposition to Southampton as planned.
The line chartered two flights from Caribbean island St Maarten to the UK earlier this month after passengers on Braemar were unable to disembark in La Romana in the Dominican Republic.
Fred Olsen had reported “a small number of influenza-like cases on board” after Braemar was prevented from disembarking in the port.