Boarding of the mega liner Voyager of the Seas was thrown into chaos today following an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness thought to be norovirus.

Queues at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney stretched hundred of metres as frustrated cruisers were left waiting for hours under an unforgiving early afternoon sun – many unaware of the cause of the delay.

Passengers had to fill out forms revealing whether they had recently suffered from gastro or flu-like symptoms. Those who ticked ‘yes’ were taken aside for medical check ups.

”In an abundance of caution we are conducting some enhanced cleaning onboard the ship and within the cruise terminal … To help prevent any illness from affecting your cruise,” said a statement from owners Royal Caribbean.

But many passengers said they were not informed of the outbreak or the reason for the delay.