Eighty-six holidaymakers who became ill during a *Thomson cruise are set to sue the tour operator.
The passengers were struck down by an outbreak of illness on board the Island Escape Cruise Ship in March and June, 2013.
Hundreds of other passengers have reported illness on the same cruise ship during the past four years, and earlier this year TUI paid compensation to 13 passengers who became ill on the ship in 2012.
Anne Thomson, Head of International Travel Law at Farnworth Rose said: âIt is so worrying to see more people becoming ill with symptoms of severe gastric illness on board this ship. Many holidays have been ruined as a result of passengers being confined to cabins and suffering symptoms of severe diarrhoea and sickness.
âStrict guidelines relating to outbreaks of illness on board cruise ships must be adhered to in order to stop the spread of illness in a relatively confined space. Thomson should carry out a full investigation to ensure nobody else becomes ill on the Island Escape.
âAnyone who has suffered symptoms of gastric illness on board a cruise ship should contact us as soon as possible to discuss compensation.â
A spokeswoman for Island Cruises said: âWe are sorry to hear of this experience on board the Island Escape. As this case is now subject to legal proceedings it would be inappropriate for us to comment further. The ultimate priority for Island Cruises is the health, safety and comfort of all our customers. We operate stringent health and hygiene procedures in line with industry standards.â
One passenger who booked a week on board the Island Escape complained that she was ill three days into the cruise and is still suffering symptoms after returning to the UK.
Other passengers who also became ill said: ´toilets were flooding and the food was not served hot enough. It seemed to be reheated for the later sittings. We were ill for days after arriving home.´
*TUI has pointed out that Island Escape belongs to Island Cruises, which is a separate brand to Thomson Cruises, although both are sold by TUI.
Contact YourHolidayClaims solicitors
If you have suffered sickness whilst on board the Island Escape Cruise Ship, or upon your return to the UK, we will help you to make a successful claim for compensation. YHC ensure you are fully supported throughout the legal process for your holiday illness claim.
For a free consultation and to find out how much compensation you could be entitled to, contact us on 0330 100 2851.
