Passengers on board the P&O Cruises vessel Ventura have reported problems with a stomach bug, with some passengers claiming the illness has been present during cruises throughout May. The ship left Southampton on 11 May for a two-week cruise to the Canary Islands. On Saturday, the company confirmed that “enhanced” sanitation protocols had been put in place following reports of gastrointestinal symptoms. However, passengers who travelled on Ventura in previous weeks claimed the illness had already been present on their cruises. A spokesperson for P&O Cruises apologised for any discomfort caused.
Elaine Bland, who was notified of gastrointestinal problems on Ventura before boarding on 4 May, claimed she and her travelling companions all suffered from sickness and diarrhoea on the third day of the trip. She said that the ship should have been taken out of action for cleaning. Helen Bradburn, who had booked a last-minute cruise with her daughter, said that whilst extra cleaning measures and hand-sanitising points were installed, her daughter had symptoms and was isolated in their room. On-board management was described as “patronising” by Bradburn but she praised the medical team.
Marie, who boarded Ventura with her husband for a 10-day cruise around Spain, Portugal and France in April, was told by a crew member that there had been an outbreak of a stomach bug on a previous cruise. Marie began to feel unwell with sickness and diarrhoea after a day in Santander, Spain, and became so unwell that she could not stay on board. Marie believes that she picked up the bug on the ship, but P&O have not yet acknowledged the claims.
P&O Cruises stated that sanitisation protocols had been approved and an enhanced approach adopted, including constant and enhanced sanitation by specialist teams and isolation for those affected. The company would not confirm how many passengers on the ship had been affected
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