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Fred Olsen refunds passengers struck down with norovirus on board cruise ship (22 June 2015)

Date: 22/06/2015
Duncan Lewis, Personal Injury Solicitors, Fred Olsen refunds passengers struck down with norovirus on board cruise ship

Passengers on a cruise with Fred Olsen Lines have been confined to their cabins after an outbreak of norovirus on board the Balmoral cruise ship.

The cruise to Scandinavia on board Fred Olsen’s flagship Balmoral cruise liner docked at Southampton Port after an 11-day cruise, with many passengers complaining that illness wrecked their holiday, the Daily Mail reports.

It is reported that between 200 and 250 passengers might have been affected by the illness. The outbreak had occurred just two days into the cruise – and passengers affected were told they had to be confined to their cabins for a minimum of two days.

Last Wednesday (17/06/15) afternoon, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines confirmed the outbreak and announced it was cancelling a three-day mini-cruise due to take place.

Some of the passengers have spoken of conditions on board the ship as more passengers fell ill. Brenda Powers – an 80-year-old retired secretary
from Kingston-upon-Thames in Surrey – suffered symptoms of the virus for two days and was confined to her cabin, while her husband David was allowed out to use the liner’s facilities. Retired project manager Mr Powers, also 80, said that he had “no idea” how many passengers had fallen ill because they were not advised of what was happening by the ship’s staff.
“I think they tried their hardest to keep the numbers down – but you get a bit of hysteria and people get anxious because you're a long way from home.

“The staff were very attentive and helpful after Brenda fell ill on Monday,” he added.

Mr and Mrs Powers said that they thought the compensation arrangements for passengers Fred Olsen were “very good” – the company is offering passengers the equivalent of a refund for the days they have missed on the cruise as a result of suffering illness.

Another passenger whose friend was ill said, however, that although Fred Olsen paid compensation, his friend is still suffering some symptoms of the illness.

“He got it bad and he was in his room for three days, after picking it up last Saturday. They have given him £140 a day back as refunded credit as he left the ship.

“I didn't get it but the problem was I didn't want to leave him on his own. He had terrible diarrhoea and I don't think he's been right since. When you have a pop at them, they are very keen to say someone brought it on board – and maybe that is the case – but I don't think it's the first time it's happened on Balmoral recently.

“They have cancelled the next cruise leaving tonight so they can do a deep clean.”

A Fred Olsen Cruise Lines spokesman said:

“There has been a high incidence of the gastro-type illness, norovirus, in the UK over the past few weeks – and sadly this has meant some guests have brought this virus onto the ship.

“It is clearly very disappointing that any guests should have their cruise holiday impacted in this unfortunate way.

“As always Fred Olsen does all that it can to contain the spread of gastric illness on board its ships, in line with its approved prevention and control plan.

“The health, safety and well-being of all our guests and crew is paramount.”

The spokesman added that some guests had been offered the chance to transfer to another cruise.

Duncan Lewis Holiday Illness Solicitors – No win no fee Holiday Illness Claims

Duncan Lewis holiday illness solicitors can advise those who have fallen ill on package holidays or cruises on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Holiday illness such as gastroenteritis may cause ongoing symptoms and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome – and in the case of infections like salmonella, symptoms may clear up only to return later if the infection lies dormant for a period.

Holiday illness claims can be made up to three years after holiday illness or diagnosis of illness.

Duncan Lewis advises holidaymakers who have fallen ill to contact them as soon as possible and before accepting any small sum in compensation from the holiday company or cruise operator in case symptoms of illness continue.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Holiday Illness Claims, call Duncan Lewis holiday illness solicitors on 020 7923 4020.


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