P&O Cruises facing threat of legal action over Ventura sickness claims

Anne Thomson, senior litigation executive at Hudgells, said: “Many trips this year onboard Ventura have been ruined. I am now asking for an investigation into how they came to be ill. I will also be asking that they are fully refunded the cost of their holiday and additional damages for the illness, pain and suffering they experienced.”

Jatinder Paul, a partner at Irwin Mitchell, said some of the passengers onboard affected sailings were taken to hospital in Spain. "We’re now investigating further to secure our clients the answers they deserve on how they came to fall so ill,” Paul added.

Michael Walker, partner of Holiday Claims Bureau, said: “Most of the claimants we’re representing were vomiting, had diarrhoea and a cough. This needs investigating so we can find out what should have been done to reduce the risk of passengers suffering illness and having their holidays ruined.”

A P&O Cruises spokesperson stressed that while the line would not comment on ongoing cases, it works closely with global and regional authorities.

“We have approved, recognised and proven protocols that are in place throughout every cruise to uphold the health and wellbeing of all guests and crew onboard,” the spokesperson added.