A UK-based cruise company has stated that recent cases of Hepatitis A among passengers are not connected to its ship. Travelers who recently sailed on P&O UK's cruise liner Ventura have reported contracting the liver infection, but the company denies any link to the vessel and asserts its collaboration with relevant health authorities.
MS Ventura, which returned to Southampton UK on Saturday, June 1st, after a week-long voyage to Spain and France, previously experienced a norovirus outbreak, affecting numerous passengers who had to isolate in their cabins.
One passenger reported ongoing symptoms of Hepatitis A, including back pain and fatigue, more than a week after disembarking from Ventura. His diagnosis, confirmed by a doctor, was shared on Facebook, prompting others to recount similar experiences.
As a precaution, several individuals are now scheduling Hepatitis A vaccinations before embarking Ventura. P&O emphasized there is no evidence connecting the ship to the Hepatitis A cases. A spokesperson confirmed they had worked with relevant agencies, including Port Health and the UKHSA, and there was no indication of a link between these cases and the Ventura.
Following the norovirus outbreak, Ventura underwent a deep clean, delaying her departure from Southampton last weekend. On May 25th, officials from Southampton Port Health Authority inspected the ship.
Earlier in May, passengers on a voyage from Southampton to Amsterdam reported severe illness, hospitalization, and difficulties obtaining clean bedding after contracting norovirus. P&O maintained that it adhered to strict hygiene protocols and informed passengers of the outbreak beforehand.
For more P&O Ventura incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.