A CRUISE ship which sailed from Southampton has been turned away from a Caribbean port after fears of Coronavirus.

Eight passengers travelling on MS Braemar operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines were struck down with flu-like symptoms.

The Braemar which set sail from Southampton on December 3 was due to dock at the Port of La Romana in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.

However the Dominican health authority turned the vessel away after the captain reported passengers had symptoms including fever, cough, or breathing difficulties.

A spokesperson for the cruise operator has now confirmed that all eight are feeling better.

And, that no guests or crew are, or have been, displaying symptoms that are considered to be consistent with those of Coronavirus.

The cruise liner has reportedly ramped up sanitisation across its fleet as a precautionary measure.

It is also using to health questionnaires and screening measures for guests embarking and re-joining the ship from overland tours, and for ship visitors.