Mauritius prevented a vessel owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings from accessing its ports, citing health concerns.
The port authority disclosed that approximately 15 passengers, isolated on board, had samples taken for testing.
According to the Mauritius Ports Authority statement on Sunday, the Norwegian Dawn, which had initially been slated to dock in Port Louis on Sunday, arrived a day earlier due to bypassing Reunion Island.
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Norwegian Dawn Denied Docking in Mauritius
According to Norwegian Cruise Line, a few passengers on board the ship reported experiencing mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness earlier in the week.
Originally scheduled to arrive in Port Louis on February 25, the Norwegian Dawn arrived earlier than planned at Port Louis after bypassing its stop at Reunion Island, as stated by the Mauritius Ports Authority on Sunday, where authorities denied the ship permission to dock.
The Mauritius Ministry of Health conducted sampling from approximately 15 passengers on the Dawn, which was undertaking a 12-day voyage from Cape Town to Port Louis, due to ongoing health concerns.
These passengers were subsequently isolated aboard the ship, as reported by the authority.
Norwegian stated in a release that Mauritius has barred anyone from disembarking or boarding the ship for the upcoming cruise until Tuesday, pending completion of testing.
Test Results Pending for 15 Passengers; Illness Unclear
Health authorities anticipate receiving the test results from the 15 passengers tested within approximately 48 hours.
The exact number of passengers or crew members who are ill remains uncertain. Officials have only confirmed testing 15 individuals.
According to the Mauritius Ports Authority, there are 2,184 passengers and 1,026 crew members aboard the Norwegian Dawn.
While around 2,000 passengers were initially scheduled to disembark on Sunday, they remain on the ship.
Additionally, 2,279 new passengers were scheduled to board in Port Louis on Sunday but have yet to do so, as confirmed by the Mauritius Ports Authority.
Norwegian Cruise Line, based in the United States, has stated that it is offering complimentary hotel accommodations to guests until they can board the ship.