Thomson responds to lawsuit threat

Thomson has defended its hygiene standards after threats of legal action by passengers struck down by the norovirus on a cruise in May.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell is representing 17 passengers who were on board the Thomson Spirit liner on a two-week Iberian Delights cruise, which sailed from North Tyneside on May 2.

It says reports from passengers suggest hundreds were struck down by the outbreak (see earlier story).

It has invited Thomson to admit liability and compensate clients, or said it would start legal proceedings.

After consulting its lawyers, Thomson issued the following statement:

“Thomson Cruises can confirm that in May 2009 a number of passengers on the Iberian Delights cruise onboard Thomson Spirit sought medical assistance after reporting stomach upset.

“The symptoms lasted between 12-24 hours, which is consistent with the norovirus, which has since been confirmed by independent medical advisors.

“As with every suspected case of norovirus, every effort was made to contain the illness and the ship’s crew worked in collaboration with independent hygiene consultants to implement additional precautionary measures. These included extra and more stringent cleaning onboard to minimise the chance of any further illness.

“A letter from the captain confirming the norovirus as the cause of the illness was placed in every cabin to reassure passengers. During the cruise, passengers were asked to remain extra vigilant and those displaying any symptoms of sickness were asked to stay in their cabins. Medical assistance was offered to any passenger that so required on an individual basis and the ships medical staff were joined by additional medical experts as an extra precaution.

“As part of Thomson Cruises’ commitment to customer services we ensure our vessels operate at industry leading levels of sanitation and hygiene. Our policies and procedures are constantly reviewed and all our ships are subject to a strict hygiene regime and every six months the vessel undergoes a sanitation inspection by the relevant Port Health Authorities Inspectors of the Port.

“Upon arrival in Newcastle, three passengers were offered further assistance, with all other passengers fit to disembark. Further intensive cleaning of the ship was then carried out, and with separate arrival and disembarkation channels, there was no chance of cross contamination between departing and embarking passengers.

“The norovirus affects between 600,000 and one million people in the UK every year, and outbreaks of the illness are common, particularly within contained environments such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. An outbreak onboard a Cruise ship is therefore not indicative of a failing in hygiene standards.”

By Bev Fearis