Law Firm Irwin Mitchell Obtains Settlement From Cruise Operator

Expert travel lawyers at Irwin Mitchell acting on behalf of a couple who say their luxury cruise was ruined by illness, which they believe was caused by poor hygiene standards, have  now successfully settled their claims despite the Cruise Operator denying liability.

Linda Bedford and her partner, from Deeside in Clwyd, booked a cruise on board the Oasis of the Seas cruise liner, which travels across the Caribbean, to spend some quality time together in May 2014.

Shortly after the cruise began, Linda, 54, began to suffer with diarrhoea and sickness, resulting in her needing to seek medical attention while the ship docked in Mexico.

Following medical advice, she was then quarantined in her room for 48 hours, resulting in her and her partner missing numerous holiday excursions.

Linda’s symptoms continued throughout the cruise and on her return home she continued to seek medical attention from her local GP.

Specialist travel lawyers at Irwin Mitchell who are representing the couple, have now obtained a four-figure settlement for the couple just prior to issuing proceedings against the Cruise operator, RCL Cruises Limited t/a Royal Caribbean International. 

Jennifer Downing, a specialist travel lawyer at Irwin Mitchell said:

Expert Opinion

“Linda suffered from illness during her voyage on the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship, which ruined her and her partner’s holiday and left her needing medical attention whilst holidaying, as well as on her return home.

“This was intended to be a well-deserved break for the pair, and a chance to spend some quality time together as a couple.

“Unfortunately Linda was quarantined and ill for a significant proportion of the break and understandably wanted to know what caused her illness.

“We have now successfully obtained a settlement for the couple which will hopefully allow them to draw a line under their terrible experience and to move on with their lives.” Jennifer Downing - Solicitor

Linda, a specialist Services Advisor at Lloyds Bank, said: “We were both really excited about a holiday together and thought it would be a perfect way to have some quality time and relax together, but not long after the cruise began we quickly realised it was not going to be the type of break we had planned.

“I was concerned with some of the cruise’s organised trips. We noticed that during a beach excursion and BBQ organised by the cruise, some of the food served was lukewarm and left uncovered and fresh food was on occasions just added to the existing food.

“We are thankful that Irwin Mitchell has managed to bring the matter to a successful conclusion so we can finally begin to move on and try and forget about our experience and the terrible memories we have been left with.”