A cruise ship was denied entry to two Caribbean islands over the weekend due to multiple guests reporting illness.
The AidaPerla, carrying 3,000 guests, was turned away from Dominica a day after authorities denied docking in St Lucia.
Unsurprisingly, there were unfounded reports of possible coronavirus infection but this was debunked by health officials in St Lucia which said there were several passengers with ‘upper respiratory tract infections.’
However the Dominica ministry of health was taking no chances.
"Based on the available information, and taking into consideration the public health risk posed to Dominica, a decision was taken that the ship will no longer be arriving in Dominica as originally scheduled," a statement from the ministry said.
"Dominica’s partnership with the cruise line remains strong and the island looks forward to welcoming it to its shore in the near future."
The ship left Barbados on January 30 for a two-week Caribbean sailing with scheduled calls in Guadeloupe, La Romana, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire and Grenada.
