A suspected norovirus outbreak aboard the P&O cruise ship Iona has created chaos among passengers and crew members during its seven-day voyage across Northern Europe. The cruise liner, which departed Southampton on February 15, is currently sailing off the coast of Belgium, with scheduled stops at Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Zeebrugge.
Since reports began surfacing around February 20, numerous guests have reported experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, primarily consisting of vomiting and diarrhea. This ailments have left many passengers confined to their cabins, describing the situation as "people dropping like flies." According to one passenger speaking to Sky News, the level of distress has been visible with guests reportedly vomiting not only inside the ship's restaurants but also on decks and outside cabin doors.
P&O Iona, capable of accommodating over 5,000 holidaymakers and 1,800 crew members, is experiencing what officials claim affects fewer than 1% of the onboard population. Despite these reassurances, anxiety among passengers has grown as they grapple with medical needs and service disruptions. Reports indicate issues with food deliveries to isolated cabins, tertiary to crew shortages exacerbated by the outbreak.
The ship's captain addressed concerned passengers over the public address system on February 20, assuring them crews are diligently working to contain the outbreak and prevent additional infections aboard. Nevertheless, accounts from some isolated guests reveal difficulties receiving even basic necessities such as fresh towels, bed linens, and adequate food supplies.
"Even the entertainment has been adversely affected with many of the scheduled acts unable to perform, leading to makeshift programs to placate guests," noted another passenger. Frustration peaked when individuals attempting to obtain gastrointestinal medication found it unavailable on board, with one passenger observing, "Not one shop or medical center onboard could supply guests with gastrointestinal suspension medication or replacement salts/fluid sachets." This lack of accessible medical supplies is alarming, especially during what should be a relaxing vacation.
P&O Cruises confirmed to Sky News some passengers had reported gastrointestinal symptoms, framing the virus as relatively common among public venues such as hotels, schools, and restaurants. They stated, "We work with global, national, and regional public health authorities on approved and proven protocols across our ships to protect the health and wellbeing of all on board." The cruise line has ensured symptomatic guests unable to enjoy shore excursions will receive full refunds.
The onset of the outbreak has coincided with the UK’s half-term holiday, drawing many families to the cruise adventure. The company has reassured the public it has established emergency medical support available 24 hours, ready to assist when needed. Although symptoms can lead to dehydration, P&O officials have emphasized the availability of care and the overall health protocols they have instituted.
It’s important to note the highly contagious nature of norovirus, which is often characterized as the stomach flu. It spreads primarily through direct person-to-person contact and through contaminated surfaces and food. While many may recover without medical intervention, the prolonged presence of the virus, especially on cruise ships, raises important questions about sanitation and health management practices during voyages.
Current data indicates spikes of norovirus cases throughout not just the UK but also the United States, emphasizing the need for vigilance. NHS England reports recent hospitalizations averaging over 1,160 patients daily, marking the highest levels recorded since data collection began.
For those planning future cruises, the percentage of passengers affected during the Iona voyage serves as a reminder of the potential health risks involved. Basic hygiene practices remain the best preventative measures—handwashing frequently, sanitizing surfaces, and careful food handling are key to safeguarding against norovirus transmission.
While the P&O Iona continues its voyage, affected passengers are left hoping for prompt recovery and reassurances of health safety as the ship heads for its next destination—a true test of resilience amid illness onboard.