International Personal Injury Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell Assisting Family with Legal Redress

A man who had his dream birthday cruise turn into a nightmare when he fell ill with gastric illness  have issued formal legal proceedings against TUI UK LTD trading as Thomson Cruises who have formally denied liability.

Robert Clements from Saltcoats, North Ayrshire suffered agonising stomach cramps, spasms and diarrhoea during the Mediterranean voyage on board the Thomson Spirit cruise ship.

The holiday, booked to celebrate Robert’s 67^th birthday in April 2014, should have been Robert and his wife Ronas  opportunity  to see the Colosseum when the ship docked in Italy. But after they boarded the ship Robert was diagnosed with severe gastroenteritis by the ship’s doctor and both he and Rona were confined to their cabin for 48 hours, missing the trip.

The couple instructed expert international personal injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate conditions on board the ship where they said food was served lukewarm on some occasions and hand sanitiser stationed around the vessel appeared to be rarely used.

Robert, 69, said: “It was supposed to be a special occasion with us both seeing the Colosseum on my birthday, but instead the whole thing turned into a nightmare.

“We both came back to England utterly deflated, having missed out on a really special holiday. It was a bitterly disappointing experience.”

The grandparents-of-five told their lawyers that others on board the ship also experienced similar symptoms. Robert continued to experience gastric problems after the trip.

Expert Opinion

“Gastroenteritis causes huge discomfort and very unpleasant symptoms which are compounded by being taken ill on holiday when you are supposed to be relaxing and enjoying yourself.

“We have now commenced formal legal proceedings in a bid to gain the answers and redress Robert and Rona are looking for.” Jennifer Downing - Solicitor

If you have fallen ill whilst on a cruise ship, our accident and illness abroad claims team could help you to secure compensation. See our Cruise Illness Claims page for more information.