Cruise Ship Passengers Sue Over Vomiting Bug

Passengers hit by an illness while on a cruise are seeking compensation after claiming their holiday was ruined.

The eight-day voyage by Fred Olsen's Balmoral liner from Southampton to the Norwegian fjords began on 3 May.

But it was forced to return to port a day early after a number of passengers were affected by a gastroenteritis-type illness, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramp and fever.

Travel lawyers contacted by passengers say they have commenced investigations into the issues on board the Balmoral.

Passenger Martin D'Arcy, 66, from Dorset, claims he is still suffering after picking up the virus onboard.

"The illness just completely ruined our holiday," he said.

"I was hoping to see so many sights but my illness meant that I had to cancel excursions and I spent half of the trip quarantined in my cabin.

"This has affected more than just our holiday, as I am still struggling with illness symptoms now, which are preventing me from getting on with my day-to-day life.

"I am extremely frustrated by what I have been through and feel that I deserve answers as to why what was supposed to be a relaxing cruise was completely turned upside-down by illness."

Amandeep Dhillon, from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, said: "Anyone heading on a cruise expects a relaxing break, yet we see time and again how illness on such vessels affects people's holidays and leaves the the with long-lasting health issues.

"With this in mind, it is vital that, where possible, lessons are learned so that safety can be improved for future voyages."

A Fred Olsen Cruise Lines spokeswoman said it was likely a guest brought the virus onboard the ship.

She added that guests had been offered a refund for one day of the cruise as well as a voucher for 50% off a future trip with the .

"It is almost certain that, regrettably, a guest brought the virus on board the ship, as they were physically sick in the afternoon of embarkation and then immediately placed in isolation within their cabin," she said.

"This is despite pre-screening questionnaires and checks prior to boarding, in order to stop anyone who has had any signs of illness.

"Typically, physical symptoms do not become evident until at least 48 hours after contracting the virus, at which point the illness is incredibly contagious.

"Norovirus spreads by touching surfaces, as well as person-to-person contact, so it could easily have spread to other people at Southampton cruise terminal before they joined the ship."