On a cruise ship
Cholera alert: What passengers need to know now
2184 passengers are stranded on the "Norwegian Dawn" due to a suspected cholera outbreak. Passengers were served with gloves without warning. ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner explains what passengers must now bear in mind.
Following a series of gastrointestinal illnesses on board the "Norwegian Dawn", the 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 already turned the ship away.
The majority of the 2184 passengers were supposed to start their journey home on Sunday. At the same time, 2279 new passengers were originally due to board the ship in Port Louis. 1026 crew members are also affected.
15 samples were taken by medical experts. The results are expected on Tuesday. Until then, those who have fallen ill are in isolation in their rooms. Meanwhile, hygiene measures on board have been increased 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 on the part of the tour operator.
A couple from the island of La Réunion, who had boarded in Cape Town, also criticized the communication. "As soon as we left Cape Town, they had to know that there was a problem. The buffet had disappeared. We were served with gloves. There were rumors about gastroenteritis," said the husband.
In principle, you can cancel any trip free of charge if it is unreasonable for the average traveler.
ÖAMTC-Juristin Verena Pronebner
Legal help for passengers
It is not yet known whether there are any Austrians on board. However, domestic travelers have booked onto the ship for the upcoming cruise. What rights do passengers now have? "In principle, any trip can be canceled free of charge if it is unreasonable for the average traveler," explains ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner in an interview with "Krone".
In general, a cruise is to be regarded legally as a package tour. "This means that if the trip is shortened or a destination is not reached, passengers have a right to compensation," says the expert. "If travelers miss their original flight because they don't get off the ship, they should contact the tour operator. They have a duty to provide assistance," explains Pronebner.
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