Experts Represent Victims of Previous Illness Problems

Specialist illness lawyers who have represented a number of passengers affected by outbreaks on board P&O’s Oriana cruise ship in 2011, 2012 and 2013 have revealed their concerns following reports of more problems on board the vessel in recent weeks.

According to reports in the Daily Echo, several passengers have been affected by an outbreak of gastric illness on the vessel, which is due to arrive back in Southampton on Thursday (March 13th).

News of the problems comes after its current 12-day Norwegian cruise trip was delayed by 12 hours due to illness problems on its previous voyage to the Canary Islands, where it is also believed that the ship suffered from technical problems.

Such reports have raised significant concerns with Irwin Mitchell’s team of illness lawyers, who specialise in helping victims of outbreaks on cruise ships and at holiday resorts both domestically and across the globe to get justice and answers in relation to the problems they have faced.

The firm has notably successfully represented passengers who have cruised on the Oriana in 2011 and December 2012, securing tens of thousands of pounds in compensation. They continue to represent almost 20 passengers who travelled on the vessel in May 2013.

Expert Opinion

We are very concerned about the latest reports which have emerged in relation to the Oriana’s most recent two trips.

"While very little is known at this point, it is clear that passengers on board the vessel and their families will be keen for answers regarding how these issues emerged as well as what is being done to prevent them from happening again in the future.

"Cruise ship operators have strict hygiene and safety guidelines which they need to follow in order to manage such issues and it is likely that the handling of these problems will also come under scrutiny.

"The impact that illness problems of this nature have on people should not be underestimated and we have seen numerous cases when victims have gone on to suffer long-term health problems as a result of issues during what were supposed to be relaxing breaks.

"Many answers are needed in relation to these latest reports and we hope, for the sake of all of those affected, that these can be provided as soon as possible." Suki Chhokar - Partner