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Vomiting bug could land P&O Cruises with hefty compensation claim
P&O Cruises could face compensation claims from passengers struck down by a vomiting bug on a 10-day pre-Christmas cruise.
Up to 340 passengers are reported to have fallen ill on the Oriana, which set sail from Southampton for a Baltic voyage on December 4 (see earlier story).
Irwin Mitchell, a law firm which represented passengers who suffered from a gastric illness onboard the same ship last November, said P&O Cruises could face claims for compensation from sick passengers and from those travelling with them.
Following last year’s outbreak, the law firm secured a payout of £9000 for a passenger and their companion after they fell ill during the two-week cruise.
A report in the Daily Mail claimed 340 out of 1,843 passengers currently onboard the Oriana have succumbed to the Norovirus which causes vomiting, although P&O Cruises issued a statement saying that only six were showing "active" symptoms.
Suki Chhokar, a partner and expert in illness claims at Irwin Mitchell, said: "While there remains some doubt over the exact number of people affected by these problems, it is clear that many passengers will be seeking answers over this outbreak and its impact on those onboard.
"It is a real concern to see reports and eyewitness accounts like those in the media emerge, particularly when the Oriana itself has suffered similar problems just a year ago.
"We would urge the cruise ship operator to work quickly and thoroughly to ensure they are doing everything they can to minimise the risks faced by passengers, as the welfare of those still on board remains a top priority.
"Following the end of the journey, the authorities will then need to undertake a full investigation and assessment of the hygiene standards implemented throughout this journey.
"Such work should go some way to gaining answers over the ordeals that passengers have faced, as well as providing reassurances that lessons can be learned to prevent the same issues from happening ever again."
P&O Cruises said sick passengers had been requested to remain in their cabins, where they received room service, and asked not to take an shore excursions, for which they would be refunded.
The cruise line has also offered to pick up passengers’ bills for medical treatment directly related to the Norovirus.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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