The British government has advised British nationals aged 70 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions to avoid travelling on cruise ships “at this time”.

The advice follows the outbreak of coronavirus.

In a statement the Foreign & Commonwealth Office said: “If you are aged 70 and over, or if you have underlying health conditions, an outbreak on board could put you at a higher risk of severe disease. This could lead to hospitalisation in another country, and potential disruption to medical care for any underlying conditions.”

The statement defined pre-existing conditions as including, but not being limited to:

• chronic respiratory disease, including asthma
• chronic heart disease
• chronic renal disease
• chronic liver disease
• chronic neurological disease
• diabetes requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs
• weakened immune system due to drug treatment or disease
• current or recent chemotherapy