14.04.2025

Illness Outbreak Follows Several Previous Incidents Of Sickness On Luxury Liner

More than 50 cruise ship passengers struck down with suspected norovirus have instructed lawyers to investigate their illness.

Specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are representing 57 passengers who reported falling ill with severe gastric illness onboard P&O’s Ventura.

They all boarded the luxury liner, paying thousands of pounds for cruises to various destinations including the Canary Islands, Amsterdam and Portugal. 

Lawyers also investigating previous cruise ship illness outbreaks

The latest outbreak follows several reported illness outbreaks onboard the Ventura in previous years, including earlier in 2024. Irwin Mitchell represents a number of people who fell ill while onboard the vessel in 2023 and 2024. 

Nadhia Akthar is the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the latest passengers to have fallen ill.

Expert Opinion

“Once again hygiene standards and safety precautions to guard against mass illness outbreaks on this cruise ship are in the spotlight.

“The latest first-hand accounts we’ve heard from our clients are deeply concerning, and worryingly, very similar. Passengers who should have enjoyed a luxury and memorable holiday instead suffered from terrible illness.

“Norovirus is particularly unpleasant, and in some cases, can be extremely serious, leading to ongoing symptoms and life-changing complications.

“While nothing can make up for their ordeals, we’re determined to provide our clients with the answers they deserve, and where, appropriate access to the specialist support they require because of their ongoing symptoms.” Nadhia Akthar

Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be spread in a variety of ways including close contact with someone who has the virus, eating food that’s been handled by someone with norovirus or drinking unclean water or infected food.

Benfleet pensioner and grandson struck down with suspected norovirus onboard P&O Christmas cruise

A granddad and grandson are among the latest holidaymakers to instruct Irwin Mitchell after falling ill onboard the Ventura. 

John Lowe, aged 82, and 19-year-old George Close boarded the Ventura in Southampton on 17 December for a two-week cruise to the Canary Islands and Portugal. It cost the family just over £6,500.

Three days in, John, of Benfleet, Essex, started suffering with sickness and diarrhoea. George, a bus driver, fell ill the following day. 

Both remained poorly for the rest of the cruise. George recovered from the physical symptoms but continued feeling out for sorts for a few days before fully recovering. However, John continues to suffer with symptoms. 

When John contacted the ship’s medical centre for anti-sickness medication he was told he needed to collect it, despite supposedly being in isolation. 

The pair reported other issues including brown water coming from taps and their cabin wasn’t clean. 

During reports of sickness onboard, staff were wiping down surfaces with damp clothes rather than disinfectant. They were inconsistent in making sure that there was no cross contamination - milk jugs were left out for guests to use, however, salt and pepper shakers were removed from tables. 

John reveals impact of cruise ship illness as he seeks answers

John, a retired bus driver, said: “I still can’t believe the cruise turned out the way it did. As soon as we boarded we were concerned by some of the precautions in place. We were always very careful when getting food and thought sanitising would help, but it didn’t prove enough.  

“I’ve never felt so ill in my life. This was meant to be a once in a lifetime holiday for our family, but it was a complete nightmare. If things could get any worse the fact that it happened over Christmas just added to the anger. 

“Even several months on I’m still not right. I suffer with symptoms which have affected my confidence and I’m left wondering whether I’ll make a full recovery.  

“I wish we’d never gone on the cruise and to hear others have also been affected is troubling. All we now want is some answers as to how this was allowed to happen.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting holidaymakers, including cruise ship passengers, struck down by sickness at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.