Stranded tourists danced in celebration today as the pariah cruise ship Westerdam was finally given permission to dock in Cambodia after five countries turned it away over coronavirus fears.  

The Westerdam was denied entry by Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines and the US territory of Guam despite the crew's insistence there were no cases on board.  

But today cruise operator Holland America announced that Cambodia had granted approval for the ship to dock.   

The 1,455 passengers and 802 crew are now expected to return to dry land in Sihanoukville tomorrow morning before flying home via Phnom Penh. 

Today there were celebrations on board with a number of older passengers dancing in joy as their agonising wait at sea was finally declared over.  

'Westerdam is now sailing for Sihanoukville, Cambodia, where the current cruise will end,' Holland America said in a statement today. 

'We will arrive at 7am local time on Thursday, February 13, and will remain in port for several days for disembarkation.