Norovirus outbreak on Mediterranean cruise ship

Fred Olsen said it follows Health Protection Agency guidelines

Passengers on board a cruise ship run by a Suffolk company have been confined to their cabins during an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug, norovirus.

Fred Olsen, based in Ipswich, said 13 passengers are currently keeping to their rooms on board Boudicca after becoming ill on a Mediterranean cruise.

Up to 30 people at any time have experienced symptoms on the three-week trip, the company added.

It said it carries out precautions and gives affected ships a deep clean.

The situation has been worsened by "very stormy" conditions in the eastern Mediterranean, causing many people to suffer from sea-sickness.

'Stuck in cabin'

Alan and Kitty Thomas, who are both in their 80s and from Radlett, Hertfordshire, are on board the ship.

Their daughter, Eleanor Fryer, told the BBC News website: "My mother has said the passengers are going down like flies.

"They had been stuck in their cabin for days and had just been allowed out for the first time."

Fred Olsen said Boudicca should arrive in Southampton on 22 March and is due to set off on another cruise from Liverpool the next day.

"Every feasible precaution is taken to prevent any gastro-type virus being introduced," a spokeswoman added.

"This winter has seen unusually high levels of the virus in the community not only in the UK but globally, with many institutions such as hospitals, schools, hotels, and cruise ships being affected."

In January, solicitors Irwin Mitchell told the BBC it was acting for 50 people taken sick on Fred Olsen cruises during the past three months.