A recent norovirus outbreak in the UK on the P&O Cruises ship Ventura affected over 500 passengers and crew members, according to BBC News. The outbreak, which occurred during a two-week cruise to Spain’s Canary Islands departing from Southampton, England on May 11, 2024, has raised concerns about the cruise line’s transparency and outbreak management protocols.
At first, P&O Cruises reported that only 0.64% of those on board were experiencing norovirus symptoms. Food Poisoning News previously reported on initial reports of over 250 passengers being sickened by norovirus on that cruise. However, newly revealed data obtained from a Freedom of Information request shows that at the outbreak’s peak, 519 cases were recorded among the approximately 4,200 passengers and crew, representing about 12.3% of those on board.
The discrepancy between the reported figures and the actual scale of the outbreak has led to accusations that P&O Cruises downplayed the severity of the situation. The company defended its initial statement, claiming that the 0.64% figure reflected only those who were “currently symptomatic and represented the efficacy of our protocols as numbers had declined significantly.”
Passengers reported significant disruptions to their holiday plans, with many forced to isolate in their cabins while extensive cleaning operations were carried out on the ship. The outbreak’s impact extended beyond the affected cruise, as a new round of passengers scheduled to board the Ventura for subsequent trips were asked to delay their arrival to allow for deeper cleaning procedures.
The news of the outbreak has prompted concern among future passengers, with some considering canceling their plans due to health worries. Southampton City Council, which oversees the port health authority, worked in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency to assist the vessel upon its return to Southampton.
P&O Cruises maintains that they have “approved, recognized, and proven protocols” in place to protect the health and safety of guests and crew. However, the company has not commented on the total number of norovirus cases on the Ventura.
Commenting on this story, one national norovirus lawyer said, “Cruise ships and other institutions like hospitals and schools face challenges when managing outbreaks of infectious disease due to large groups of people gathering in confined spaces. However, it is critical that those same organizations both implement stringent health protocols and communicate openly to ensure public safety and trust.”
