2,184 passengers are stuck on the ‘Norwegian Dawn’ due to a suspected cholera outbreak. Travelers were served with gloves on without warning. ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner explains what passengers should now take into account.
Following a series of gastrointestinal illnesses on board the ‘Norwegian Dawn’, authorities in Mauritius refused to allow the ship to dock in the port of the capital Port Louis on Sunday, after the French island of La Réunion had previously rejected the ship.
The majority of the 2,184 passengers would actually start their journey home on Sunday. At the same time, 2,279 new travelers were originally scheduled to board the ship in Port Louis. 1,026 crew members have also been affected.
15 samples were run by medical professionals. The results are expected on Tuesday. Until then, the sick people will stay in isolation in their rooms. In the meantime, hygiene measures on board have been tightened and all necessary measures have been taken to protect guests, crew and destinations.
How are the passengers on board?
“Everything is normal and we are having fun,” a Mauritian guest told dpa, but criticized the lack of communication on board and from the tour operator.
A couple from Reunion Island who boarded the ship in Cape Town also complained about the communications. “As soon as we left Cape Town they knew there was a problem. The buffet was gone. We were served with gloves. There were rumors of gastroenteritis,” the husband said.
Legal assistance for passengers
It is not yet known whether Austrians are on board. But local travelers have booked themselves onto the ship for the upcoming cruise. What rights do passengers have now? “In principle, you can cancel any trip free of charge if it is unreasonable for the average traveler,” explains ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner in the interview with “Krone”.
In general, a cruise should be legally viewed as a package holiday. “This means that if the journey is shortened or a destination is not reached, passengers are entitled to compensation,” the expert said. “If travelers miss their original flight because they do not get off the ship, they should contact the tour operator. He has an obligation to provide assistance,” Pronebner explains.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
