A stomach bug outbreak has affected hundreds of passengers aboard a Fred Olsen cruise ship, with health measures introduced and the vessel’s next sailing delayed to allow for a deep clean.
Guests travelling on Balmoral reported widespread cases of gastroenteritis, a highly contagious illness that typically causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
Around 200 people are believed to have fallen ill during the voyage, according to reports from the Shetland Times. The ship has capacity for more than 1,200 passengers.
Passengers said daily announcements were made warning that the ship was “experiencing increasing cases of people presenting with symptoms of gastroenteritis”.
Some guests disputed the severity of the situation, suggesting that a number of those feeling unwell were suffering from seasickness following a rough crossing from Norway rather than a viral illness.
Cancelled Shetland Call And Health Measures Onboard
Balmoral had been scheduled to dock in Lerwick on 27th January, but the call was cancelled after stormy weather battered the islands. By that point, reports of illness onboard were already circulating among passengers.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines confirmed that a number of guests had reported gastrointestinal symptoms.
“We have immediately implemented measures to help reduce transmission, and our medical team is on hand to provide support to anyone who should feel unwell during the cruise.
“Balmoral will be returning to Southampton tomorrow, where she will set sail a little later than planned to allow for a deep clean of the ship and cruise terminal.
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew is our highest priority, and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has robust health, hygiene, and safety protocols in place at all times.”
Kate Bunyan, the cruise line’s director of health services
The ship departed on its next cruise to Norway slightly later than originally planned on 30th January, following enhanced cleaning procedures both onboard and at the cruise terminal.
Gastrointestinal outbreaks are not uncommon in the cruise industry, particularly during winter sailings when rough seas and close-contact environments can increase the spread of illness.
Cruise lines typically respond with isolation protocols, increased sanitation and adjusted itineraries where necessary to protect passengers and crew.
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