Short Southampton-Newcastle cruise cancelled at last minute

Saturday, 29 Feb, 2024 0

A short two-night domestic cruise from Southampton to Newcastle has been scrapped over lingering cases of a suspected gastro illness from a previous cruise.

Fred Olsen ship Balmoral returned to Southampton yesterday after a two-week cruise to Norway.

There were several norovirus-like cases among passengers.

The line said the ship will undergo a deep clean which it says would have caused a delay for the next departure.

Instead of operating an even shorter repositioning cruise to Newcastle, it will sail there empty so crew can spend more time disinfecting the ship.

“Sailing with no guests on board will enable this deep clean to be as effective as possible before new guests embark in Newcastle,” the cruise line said.

The ship is due to depart on Friday on another Northern Lights cruise to Norway.

The short repositioning cruise scheduled from Southampton to Newcastle made headlines as it worked out cheaper than taking a train or a flight.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

It’s easy to find perfection in Santa Barbara, but what if there was even more of your favorite finds, activities,...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

The State of Michigan is blessed with the riches of unspoiled nature: the nation’s longest freshwater coastline, lakes that feel like...

IHG Hotels & Resorts: Redefining Hospitality Excellence IHG Hotels & Resorts is a globally renowned hospitality company that stands at...

Atout France guides and supports the French regions with their development strategy and helps set up investment projects in order...

STA was established to support the growth of the travel and tourism sector by serving the needs of tourism companies...

Intrepid Travel is a world leader in sustainable experience-rich travel that has been taking travellers to discover the world’s most amazing places...

Arival advances the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. We provide events, insights, and community for creators and sellers of...

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels...

The city has been the vibrant heart of Japan for over 400 years, and is a crossroads where tradition meets...

Central Florida’s Polk County is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, and an easy drive to Central Florida attractions and...

Destination British Columbia (Destination BC) is a Provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports a strong and competitive future for BC’s...