A Norwegian Cruise Line ship has been cleared to dock in Mauritius after having to delay a sailing after an illness outbreak on board.
The line said a “small number of guests” experienced mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness while sailing a South Africa cruise on Norwegian Dawn.
The ship was scheduled to dock in Port Louis, Mauritius, on February 25 but was unable to do so after local authorities denied entry until additional testing was carried out.
Authorities then gave the ship the all clear to dock at the island’s capital.
The director of Mauritius health ministry confirmed the passengers had gastroenteritis.
Dr Bhooshun Ori said the passengers have now “fully recovered”, the BBC reported.
Mauritian authorities had initially blocked the ship “to avoid any health risks”.
The passengers developed mild symptoms of a stomach illness during a trip to South Africa, a representative of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said.
At least 15 people on the Norwegian Dawn were in isolation with a stomach illness.
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As a result, disembarkation and embarkation for the next cruise was delayed until today (February 27).
The line said it was providing complimentary hotel accommodation for affected passengers and “elevated” sanitation procedures will be implemented on the ship.
“We have deployed additional team members to support the guests scheduled to embark on Norwegian Dawn’s February 25 voyage from Port Louis, Mauritius, as well as providing them with complimentary hotel accommodations until they are able to board,” a spokesperson for the line said.
“In addition, we are assisting guests currently aboard the ship with their modified travel arrangements.
“The health and safety of our guests, crew and the destinations we visit is our top priority. We operate the highest public health and sanitation standards and encourage our guests to practice good hygiene and to report any illness-related symptoms to the on board medical team immediately.
“Additionally, we have elevated our sanitation procedures aboard the ship as part of our routine measures to ensure a safe environment for all on board and will continue to take any necessary measures to protect our guests, crew and destinations we visit.”
There are 2,184 passengers and 1,026 crew members on the ship. About 2,000 planned to disembark in Port Louis, with another 2,000 expected to board at the same time.