Twelve British passengers are taking legal action against P&O after falling seriously ill with gastric illness and flu-like symptoms during a Mediterranean cruise on the P&O Azura. The group, who paid up to £3,000 each, claim they encountered an "overpowering sewage smell" on board and raised concerns about hygiene in buffet restaurants where flies were reportedly seen around uncovered food.
Illness Strikes During Greek Islands Voyage
The holidaymakers were travelling around the Greek islands on the eight-night voyage between May 28 and June 4 this year. Many were confined to their cabins during the trip, while others were hospitalised upon returning to the UK. Some say they are still feeling the effects now.
The group had been celebrating a 60th birthday. They have now instructed international injury lawyers to investigate their illnesses.
Passengers Describe Symptoms and Hygiene Concerns
Julie Stones, 53, from Bolton, was among those who fell ill. She first became unwell on June 2 with a sore throat and diarrhoea before her condition worsened, leading to vomiting, severe stomach pain, fever, headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, a persistent cough, and pain in her back and legs. After returning home, she attended A&E, was diagnosed with a chest infection, and later required further GP and hospital treatment.
Stones, who has several underlying health conditions and uses a powered wheelchair, said she spent weeks largely confined to bed and relied on help from her husband and daughter. She said: "This holiday was supposed to be a special celebration with friends and something I'd been looking forward to for months. Instead, it turned into a complete nightmare. It felt as though one thing after another kept going wrong and, as the holiday went on, I just got worse and worse."
She added: "One thing that really stood out was the overpowering sewage smell near the Manhattan Bar. It was so noticeable that other passengers were commenting on it. I also had concerns about hygiene in the buffet areas. I remember seeing food left uncovered with flies around it and people entering the restaurant without sanitising their hands."
Others in the Group Also Affected
Linda Chapman, from Bury, who was celebrating her 60th birthday, also became seriously ill after developing symptoms on the final evening of the cruise. She suffered chills, vomiting, breathlessness, wheezing, a sore throat, and a persistent cough. Her condition worsened after landing in Manchester, and she contacted NHS 111 before being taken to A&E, where she was prescribed antibiotics. Chapman, who works as a housekeeper on an NHS stroke ward, was forced to take two weeks off work.
Sharon Robinson, 51, from Wigan, was the first member of the group to fall ill. She initially believed she had a chest infection but later suffered stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, fever-like symptoms, and extreme fatigue. Despite feeling unwell, she tried to continue with the group's planned celebrations but spent the rest of the cruise exhausted.
Jatinder Paul, the lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the passengers, said: "Cruise holidays should provide passengers with an opportunity to relax and enjoy their time away. However, they also involve large numbers of passengers sharing restaurants, bars and other facilities in confined space so robust hygiene measures are vital in helping to prevent illnesses from spreading."
Paul added: "What's particularly concerning for our clients is that so many from the same party became unwell, with several still having their lives affected by symptoms. Our clients understandably have questions about their illnesses and whether more should have been done to protect them. Nothing will make up for what they've been through, but we're determined to provide them with the answers they deserve."
P&O has been approached for comment.
