MS Breamar is operated by UK-based Norwegian-owned Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. Credit: kees torn.

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Read about the effect of coronavirus (Covid-19) on cruise ships.

The Dominican Republic has denied entry to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ MS Braemar cruise ship as a number of passengers on board were reported to have flu and respiratory infections.

The ship was scheduled to dock in La Romana where additional passengers were going to board the ship.

The ship was on a ‘Eastern Caribbean’ fly-cruise for 14 days and has now set sail for another Caribbean port.

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Fred Olsen Cruise Lines said: “We believe that this was as a result of a small number of influenza-like cases on board.

“Our medical team has now advised that they are all feeling better. No guests or crew are or have been displaying symptoms that are considered to be consistent with those of coronavirus.”

The cruise line operator added that it is in discussions with the authorities and will receive advice regarding next steps.

In addition, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is also making arrangements for onward travel for passengers and is in constant contact to keep them updated.

The operator added: “It is our opinion that this is an overreaction by the Dominican Republic, and is not the reception that we have received at previous ports on this itinerary.”

The cruise line added that it is taking advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, World Health Organisation, Public Health England and CLIA in terms of Covid-19 management.

Fred Olsen has also implemented increased levels of sanitisation and introduced health questionnaires and non-invasive screening measures for passengers.

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