02 June 2006

Virus-stricken cruise returns to Southampton

A luxury cruise ship which was hit by a severe vomiting bug has returned to Southampton early.

The Sea Princess had left Southampton last weekend, carrying over 2,000 passengers on what was meant to be a seven-night European cruise.

However, the ship was forced to return to Southampton, cancelling a planned visit to Lisbon, when many passengers fell ill with gastric symptoms.

Around 200 passengers were affected by the virus, which was thought to be the Norovirus - the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales.

The passengers, who were confined to their cabins in an attempt to stop the further spread of the virus, have been offered a 30% refund on their cruise fare, as well as a £150 per person voucher for money towards a future cruise, by the owners of the vessel, Princess Cruises.

However, many passengers have expressed anger at the offer and claimed that their holidays were ruined because of the virus.

The Health Protection Agency said that outbreaks of the Norovirus were common in semi-closed environments, such as cruise ships, hospitals, nursing homes and schools.

(KMcA/SP)