Stomach Illness Outbreak on Norwegian Dawn, Over 2,000 Stuck on Ship
Updated: Feb 27
The Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Dawn, a ship currently carrying over 2,000 passengers, has been quarantined off the coast of Mauritius due to a reported stomach illness onboard.
False reports of cholera on the ship had initially sparked panic among passengers and their families. However, Norwegian Cruise Line was quick to dispel these rumors. In a statement issued to passengers, the company clarified that such reports were simply "speculation," and reassured passengers that there were no confirmed cases or evidence of the bacterial infection. However, Norwegian confirmed that “a small number of guests experienced mild symptoms of a stomach-related illness”.
Originally set to arrive in Port Louis on Sunday, the ship held off until today after having been quarantined. Norwegian is looking to embark passengers on Tuesday. However, changes and shifts to itineraries have yet to be announced.
The health scare has inevitably disrupted the cruise's schedule. The ship was on a 12-day itinerary from Cape Town to Port Louis, which began on February 13th. However, due to the illness, the subsequent cruise from Mauritius to Cape Town, originally planned to depart on Sunday, has been postponed.
In response to the health scare, Norwegian has ramped up its sanitation procedures aboard the ship. "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 the destinations we visit,” a Norwegian spokesperson said in a statement.
In the meantime, Norwegian is providing complimentary hotel accommodations for guests until they are able to board. The company is also assisting current guests on the ship with travel arrangements.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of health and safety protocols on board cruise ships. As the situation continues to unfold, we hope for a swift resolution and the safe return home of all passengers and crew.
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