Illness spoils cruise holiday

Over 100 passengers on the Van Gogh cruise ship had their holidays ruined after they suffered illness on board.

Symptoms of the cruise virus outbreak included vomiting and diarrhoea.

Travelscope Holidays Limited, the tour operator, apologised to customers, and offered refunds to people who were unable to board the ship for the next scheduled trip.

Five hundred passengers were waiting to board the ship at Harwich for a week long trip to Norway.

The ship was detained by the Maritime Coastguard Agency on the advice of port health inspectors and the local director of public health.

Cruise illness claims and compensation

Often simple preventative measures can be taken to avoid such virus outbreaks. In many cases these episodes not only ruin people's holidays but can result in long term health problems.

"Customers should be aware that they may be entitled to compensation, and should seek legal advice before accepting any offers made by the tour operator" said specialist travel litigation solicitor, Suki Chhokar.

Viral outbreak

At present the cause of the outbreak remains unclear.
The ship and crew will be monitored for 48 hours, after which they are expected to set sail again on 3rd June.
Irwin Mitchell have acted for a number of people who have suffered from cruise illness or virus outbreaks - symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Irwin Mitchell acted for a number of people whose holiday was ruined on MS Sundream, where the total compensation amounted to a six figure sum.

Have you got a claim? If we can help you or someone you know with a cruise illness claim, please visit our illness abroad section.

Alternatively, if your claim affects a number of people, please visit our group action section to see how we could help you.