3,000 tourists stranded as luxury cruise ship denied entry over health risks

The cruise ship Norwegian Dawn was due to arrive in the island's capital, Port Louis, last Sunday after a 12-day voyage from Cape Town, the Independent reported.

However, with 15 passengers starting to show cholera-like symptoms, La Reunion authorities refused to allow the cruise ship to dock, forcing it to adjust the schedule.

It had skipped its Reunion Island stop and arrived in Port Louis a day earlier.

However, the Mauritius Ports Authority also refused the ship to dock over "health risks," News18 reported.

Subsequent tests showed that the passengers suffered mild gastroenteritis, with no confirmed cases of cholera but the Mauritius authorities still conducted testing as a precaution.

The vessel was then allowed to dock in Mauritius.

The 14-storey Norwegian Dawn, one of the classy luxury cruise ships, features a casino, theater and entertainment areas.

On its official website, the price for the trip starts from US$2,000 per person. For those who want to enjoy modern amenities, they can pay $47,000 for a villa apartment, including three bedrooms, a hot tub, an outdoor dining area and private butler service.