Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Norwegian Jewel, which is currently stranded in the South Pacific, has allowed passengers to disembark in Hawaii.

According to reports, the cruise ship was denied entry to four countries, with 2,000 passengers on board the vessel.

Despite no one displaying symptoms of coronavirus, the ship was turned away by French Polynesia, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand.

A spokesperson said: Norwegian Jewel’s 23-day Australia and French Polynesia itinerary was modified due to multiple port closures in the area.

“The ship arrived to Honolulu on March 22, 2020. Charter flights have been arranged for all guests on 23 and 24 March from Honolulu to Los Angeles; Sydney; London; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Frankfurt, Germany.

All guests will remain onboard until three hours prior to their scheduled flight.

Speaking to The Independent, a spokesperson for NCL said: “Due to the port closure in Fiji, we have been forced to modify Norwegian Jewel’s disembarkation plans.

“The ship is currently heading to Honolulu, Hawaii, where she will disembark. We continue to communicate with guests regularly and will provide them with the estimated arrival time and further details as they become available.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience they have experienced as a result of these unforeseen circumstances and greatly appreciate their patience and understanding.”

“Norwegian Jewel’s 23-day Australia and French Polynesia itinerary was modified to disembark in Auckland, New Zealand on March 20, 2020.

“Due to multiple port closures in the area, further modifications were made, and the ship is now expected to disembark in Honolulu on 22 March 2020.

“Please know that we have been communicating with guests regularly and updating them as we have further information.  We greatly appreciate their patience and understanding during this evolving situation.”

Other cruise ships currently in limbo include Silversea’s Silver Shadow, which is currently under quarantine in the Brazilian port of Recife with 600 passengers.

The quarantine was imposed last Thursday (12 March) after a 78-year-old passenger developed coronavirus symptoms, later testing positive.

NCL is one of the many cruise lines that have suspended sailings.

For the latest advice on coronavirus, visit gov.uk.

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