Cholera Alert on Cruise Ship: 'Norwegian Dawn' Allowed to Dock in Mauritius

A touch of drama swept over the waves of the Indian Ocean as the 'Norwegian Dawn' had to drop anchor two nautical miles off Mauritius due to suspected cholera. Concern was high as approximately 2,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members aboard the cruise ship awaited a decision. Only after intensive health checks was the all-clear given: the 'Norwegian Dawn' received the green light to safely bring ashore the first passengers on Tuesday morning – a sigh of relief for all involved. The relief followed an unexpected forced stop during an otherwise idyllic cruise, which had already cast its shadow in the form of gastrointestinal illnesses along the route from South Africa through Madagascar and La Réunion. After La Réunion denied entry, alarm bells rang with news that Port Louis, the Mauritian port, could not be approached. The virus of uncertainty spread among the passengers in the absence of symptoms, while 'Doctors Without Borders' warned of one of the worst cholera outbreaks in South Africa. The Norwegian Cruise Line had to improvise and accommodate their waiting guests in local lodgings, while onboard, routines of jogging, dining, and relaxation only superficially masked the nervousness. Criticism was voiced, both regarding the exchange of information and caution. A passenger from La Réunion, for example, described the sudden disappearance of the buffet and waiters with gloves as harbingers of the serious situation. Ultimately, the disease, which in severe cases can be fatal, was spared to the travelers on board. The samples negated the presence of the cholera bacterium, allowing the 'Norwegian Dawn' to end its odyssey through the vicissitudes of medical and organizational uncertainties. For the cruise industry, the passengers, and the people of Port Louis in Mauritius, it was a reason to breathe easy and proof that caution is sometimes the best captain on uncertain waters.