P&O cruise ship customers 'dropping like flies' as suspected outbreak rocks ship

A P&O cruise ship has been hit by a suspected norovirus outbreak, with passengers claiming people are “dropping like flies” as sickness spreads on board.

The P&O Iona, which is currently sailing off the coast of Belgium, has seen a large number of passengers and staff experiencing symptoms, including vomiting in restaurants, on decks, and outside cabins, one passenger told Sky News.

The ship, which has the capacity for over 5,000 passengers and 1,800 crew members, is on a seven-day cruise across Northern Europe, with stops in Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Zeebrugge. 

It departed Southampton on February 15, with many families on board due to the half-term holiday.

P&O Cruises confirmed to Sky News that some guests had reported gastrointestinal symptoms but insisted the illness was affecting fewer than 1% of passengers.

On Thursday (February 20), the ship’s captain addressed passengers, announcing that staff were working to control the outbreak and stop the spread.

However, some guests isolated in their cabins said staff shortages had made it difficult to receive food deliveries, fresh towels, and clean bed linen.

One passenger told Sky News: “Even the entertainment has been adversely affected, with many of the scheduled acts unable to perform and replaced with a cobbled-together entertainment programme to placate the guests.”

They also claimed that it was difficult to obtain basic medication on board. “Not one shop or medical centre onboard could supply guests with gastrointestinal suspension medication or replacement salts/fluid sachets,” they said.

Nonetheless, P&O Cruises has reassured affected passengers that those unable to take part in shore excursions will receive a full refund.

The company also insisted that medication is available through its onboard medical centre, with emergency support on call 24/7.

In a statement, P&O Cruises said: “Gastrointestinal-related illnesses are very common in the UK and are predominantly spread by person-to-person transmission in environments such as hotels, schools, and restaurants.”

The cruise operator added that it works closely with public health authorities to follow approved protocols that protect the health and wellbeing of all on board.

The Express has reached out to P&O Cruises for further comment.