Passengers threaten legal action after vomiting bug curtails cruise

Fred Olsen cut short a cruise from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords following an outbreak of a gastric illness onboard the Balmoral earlier this month.

It said the ship had returned to port a day early on May 10 for additional time for systematic sanitisation before departing on a 13-night cruise to Madeira.

Passengers have been offered a refund for the last day of the eight-day cruise, plus up to 50% off a future ‘Norwegian Fjord’ cruise, but some have contacted law firm Irwin Mitchel with a view to taking legal action against the cruise line.

Irwin Mitchel claimed a number of passengers were affected by a gastroenteritis-type illness, with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea.

It has begun its own investigations into the alleged illness on board.

The law firm recently secured settlements for passengers who fell ill on Thomson cruise ships, the Island Escape and Thomson Dream.

Irwin Mitchell also won a five-figure payout earlier this year for 12 passengers who came down with a stomach bug on board Fred Olsen’s Boudicca cruise ship in 2011, and it is continuing to represent others who allegedly became ill during voyages on the Boudicaa in 2012 and 2013.

Partner Amandeep Dhillon said: "Whilst it is welcome that steps have been taken to deep clean the ship ahead of its next voyage, all of those on board the vessel during this outbreak will be keen to understand how the illness problems developed.

 "Anyone heading on a cruise expects a relaxing break, yet we see time and time again how illness on such vessels cannot only affect people’s holidays but also go on to leave them 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. After being contacted by those affected, we have now commenced our own investigations in an effort to help the passengers obtain the answers they are searching for. We are keen to hear from anyone else affected by the outbreak who may be able to help us with our enquiries."

Fred Olsen said it was ‘almost certain’ one of the passengers brought the virus onboard. "They were physically sick on the afternoon of embarkation and then immediately placed in isolation within their cabin," said a spokeswoman.

"Unfortunately, we are also aware that, contrary to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ strict containment procedures on board, some guests did not report their symptoms to staff immediately, meaning that they could have spread the illness to others.

"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.

"It is extremely disappointing that any guests should have a wonderful cruise experience curtailed in what looks like events out of Fred. Olsen’s control. As Always, Fred. Olsen will be doing the very best for its customers, even though this will carry significant cost to the cruise line."