Over 100 Passengers Claim Compensation After Norovirus Outbreak on P&O Ventura Cruise

More than 100 passengers have filed claims for compensation after falling ill during a cruise on P&O’s Ventura, which saw multiple outbreaks of norovirus between April and June.

Over 500 holidaymakers aboard the ship developed symptoms of norovirus during a two-week trip around the Canary Islands, which departed from Southampton in May.

Lawyers representing the passengers say the outbreaks occurred repeatedly, causing significant disruption to the voyage. P&O Cruises has apologized and stated that it will respond to the claims.

Widespread Illness Onboard

At the peak of the outbreak, the Ventura was carrying fewer than 3,000 passengers, with reports indicating that at least 12% of them fell ill. This figure contrasts with initial reports by the parent company, Carnival, which downplayed the number of sick passengers, claiming that less than 1% of travelers reported symptoms.

The illness, which began around April 20, affected 92 passengers during the Ventura’s 10-day cruise around Spain and Portugal, matching an unusual spike in norovirus cases across the UK, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Passengers described how the illness spread rapidly, with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, which persisted for weeks on the ship. Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug, cannot be eliminated with alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Legal Action for Compensation

Law firm Hudgell Solicitors confirmed they are representing 115 passengers seeking compensation for illness, loss of enjoyment, and damages. Among the affected passengers are Howard and Hazel Lun from Devon, who are part of the group pursuing the claim. The couple, who paid £5,000 for their trip, became ill just days after embarking on the Canary Islands cruise on May 11.

They were instructed to isolate in their cabin after falling ill. Mr. Lun claims that P&O deliberately withheld information about the outbreak, referring to it as “gastrointestinal issues” rather than acknowledging the norovirus. P&O Cruises later confirmed to the BBC that the illness was indeed norovirus.

“No Surprise” for Legal Experts

Anne Thomson, a lawyer at Hudgell Solicitors, stated that it is “undisputed” that norovirus spread widely aboard the Ventura, with multiple outbreaks over several months. She added that legal action against Carnival Cruises should come as “no surprise” to the company, as it has caused severe disruption for passengers.

Thomson emphasized that the sickness not only confined passengers to their rooms but also had a lasting impact on their holidays, as it took time to recover before they could enjoy the ship’s facilities, restaurants, and excursions.

P&O’s Response

P&O Cruises confirmed that several measures were implemented to contain the outbreak, including closing onboard laundrettes, preventing passengers from serving themselves at the buffet, and isolating ill passengers in their rooms. The ship underwent thorough cleaning, and some areas were fogged with disinfectant as part of the efforts to stop the spread of the virus.

Carnival, P&O’s parent company, has six weeks to respond to the claims and a further six months to investigate and provide a response.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said, “We are sorry that some of our guests may have been affected, and we will respond to the claims in due course.”

Additional Outbreaks

New reports indicate that P&O’s Aurora also saw a norovirus outbreak around the same time. During a Mediterranean cruise departing Southampton on April 26, over 300 passengers—16% of the total—became ill. On the following cruise, a three-night trip to Belgium starting May 15, fewer than 12% of passengers reported symptoms.