Strong winds have caused a large cruise ship with thousands of passengers on board to run aground off the Dominican Republic.

       The 326-metre-long Norwegian Escape was heading out to sea when the incident occurred on Tuesday.

       A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line said the Norwegian Escape "made contact with the channel bed as it was departing Puerto Plata".

       Those on board reported they heard a “loud thud” and some said they felt the ship listing to one side.

       No passengers or crew were injured.

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       It took seven hours to free the ship. After an initial attempt using tugboats failed, a decision was made to wait for high tide.

       Once freed, the Norwegian Escape returned to port for checks.

       A statement from Norwegian reads: “All guests and crew are safe, and there are no reports of damages to the ship. Operations on board have not been impacted and all services and activities continue as scheduled.”

       Early reports were that the cruise would continue on its route, but a passenger informs The Independent that the ship will remain in Puerto Plata on Tuesday night.

       Passengers have since been informed that “out of an abundance of caution” the remainder of the sailing is cancelled.

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       According to a letter distributed to passengers, a full refund has been offered and charter flights would return everyone to Florida. Those onboard will be disembarked between 16-18 March.

       Launched in 2015, the Norwegian Escape carries 4,266 passengers and 1,733 crew.