100+ passengers have filed compensation claims after experiencing illness during voyages aboard P&O Cruises' Ventura. Legal representatives from Hudgell Solicitors stated that there were "repeated outbreaks" of norovirus on the vessel between April and June.
One significant outbreak occurred in May, during a 2-week cruise to the Canary Islands departing from Southampton UK, affecting 519 passengers who reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. P&O Cruises confirmed the illness as norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug that cannot be eradicated with alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The outbreak coincided with an "unseasonal rise" in norovirus cases across the UK, as noted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
P&O's parent company, Carnival Corporation, initially reported that fewer than 1% of passengers had been affected during the May sailing. However, Southampton's port health authority disclosed that over 12% of those onboard were symptomatic at the peak of the outbreak. Passengers from earlier sailings also reported illness, with 92 individuals becoming unwell on a 10-day Spain and Portugal cruise in late April.
In response to the outbreaks, P&O Cruises implemented protocols including closing self-service buffets, shutting on-board launderettes, deep-cleaning the vessel, and asking symptomatic passengers to isolate in their cabins. The company has apologized and stated it will respond to the claims.
The legal claims, submitted on behalf of 115 passengers, seek compensation for illness, loss of enjoyment, and associated expenses.
Carnival Corporation has 6 weeks to acknowledge the claims and up to six months to investigate and provide a response.
A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said:
"We are sorry some of our guests may have been affected and we will be responding to the letter of claim in due course.”