Norwegian Cruise Ship Stopped From Docking Amid Outbreak

On February 25, 2024, a Norwegian Cruise Line Holding Ltd. vessel was denied docking at Mauritius' main port due to sanitary concerns following reports of illness among some passengers.

According to a spokesperson from the health ministry in Port Louis, approximately 100 individuals aboard the Norwegian Dawn reported experiencing diarrhoea, from which they subsequently recovered. However, another 15 passengers exhibited more severe symptoms and were placed under quarantine.

Health officials travelled to the vessel via a small boat to assess the situation, with test results expected within 48 hours.

The Norwegian Dawn, carrying 2,184 passengers and 1,026 crew members, skipped a scheduled stop at Reunion Island in the southern Indian Ocean, as reported by the Mauritius Ports Authority. It arrived at Port Louis on Saturday evening local time.

Approximately 2,000 passengers were slated to disembark at the port, with an additional 2,279 individuals set to board the following day.

"The health and safety of the passengers as well as that of the country as a whole are of the utmost importance to the authorities," stated the port authority.

At the time of the report, Norwegian Cruise Line had not responded to a request for comment outside of normal business hours.