Passengers aboard a cruise liner hit by an illness that forced it to return to port a day early have instructed lawyers seeking compensation.

The eight-day voyage by Fred.Olsen’s Balmoral cruise ship to the Norwegian fjords from Southampton, England, began on May 3 but was cut short after a number of passengers were affected by a gastroenteritis-type illness, with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.

The ship returned to its home port to be “systematically sanitised” ahead of its next trip to Madeira.

Martin D’Arcy. Photo: Irwin Mitchell/PAMartin D’Arcy. Photo: Irwin Mitchell/PA

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist travel lawyers have been contacted by passengers affected by the illness problems on the Balmoral and have commenced their own investigations.

Amandeep Dhillon, an expert illness lawyer, said: “We are very concerned by these reports and have already been contacted for help by passengers affected by the reported illness problems on board the Balmoral cruise ship.

“Anyone heading on a cruise expects a relaxing break, yet we see time and again how illness on such vessels cannot only affect people’s holidays but also go on to leave them with long-lasting health issues.

“It is vital that, where possible, lessons are learned so that safety can be improved.”

Martin D’Arcy, 66, from Dorset, was confined to his cabin after developing symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever several days into the cruise and said he was continuing to suffer as a result.

D'Arcy, a retired sales service engineer, said: “The illness just completely ruined our holiday – I was hoping to see so many sights but my illness meant that I had to cancel excursions and I spent half of the trip quarantined in my cabin.

“I am still struggling with illness symptoms now, which are preventing me from getting on with my day-to-day life.

“I am extremely frustrated and feel that I deserve answers as to why what was supposed to be a relaxing cruise was completely turned upside down by illness.”

A Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines spokeswoman said it was likely a guest brought the virus on board the ship, leading to the outbreak.

She said travellers had been offered a refund for one day’s cost of the cruise and the all-inclusive drinks package, as well as a voucher for 50 per cent off a future trip with the company.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.