A luxury cruise aboard the glamorous Balmoral ship, operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, has been severely disrupted by a significant outbreak of gastroenteritis that left approximately 200 passengers unwell. The vessel embarked on a ten-night voyage from Southampton, United Kingdom, destined for the picturesque Norwegian Fjords, but the journey was marred by illness and operational challenges.
Widespread Illness On Board
By the time the Balmoral docked on January 30, around 200 passengers had reported symptoms consistent with gastroenteritis, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. An unnamed passenger who spoke to the Shetland Times confirmed that both he and his wife fell ill during the trip. Daily announcements from the crew informed those on board about increasing cases of the gastrointestinal illness.
With the Balmoral capable of carrying about 1,250 guests and 537 crew members, this outbreak affected roughly 11 percent of the people aboard. While the exact cause was not immediately confirmed, industry reports from sources like Cruisehive suggest that norovirus is likely responsible for the outbreak.
Stringent Measures Implemented
In response to the spreading illness, the crew enacted strict protocols that effectively placed the ship into a state of lockdown. According to reports from the Press and Journal, all decks were closed, along with all five restaurants on the vessel. These measures aimed to prevent further transmission among passengers and staff.
Passenger Julie Homer described the environment as "unpleasant" in comments to the Press and Journal. She noted that after the virus outbreak was announced, all procedures changed on board, with self-service at meal times discontinued. Events such as dancing were cancelled, and recreational items like puzzles, books, and playing cards were locked away to limit contact.
Personal Accounts of Illness
Homer reported catching the virus on Monday, January 26, and becoming very ill. "We stayed in the cabin for 48 hours and had a visit from a nurse and calls to check how I was feeling," she said. Even after the initial symptoms, she experienced ongoing issues, stating, "I was not well enough to get off the ship on Thursday, and am still not well with headaches, tiredness, and stomach aches."
Despite the challenging circumstances, Homer acknowledged the efforts of the staff, saying, "Staff were generally working so hard to keep everything clean." Many passengers, including herself, spent as much time outside as possible to avoid the confined spaces.
Missed Port Call and Festival
Compounding the difficulties, adverse weather conditions prevented the Balmoral from docking in Lerwick for Shetland's annual Up Helly Aa fire festival. This event is recognised as the largest Viking festival in Scotland, and its cancellation added to the disappointment for many travellers.
Kate Bunyan, Fred Olsen's director of health services, addressed the series of unfortunate events. She expressed understanding for the disappointment of missing the much-anticipated festival but emphasised that safety remains the company's top priority.
Company Response and Cleaning Protocols
In a statement, Bunyan said, "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." She added that the Balmoral would return to Southampton slightly later than planned to allow for a comprehensive deep clean of both the ship and the cruise terminal.
"The safety and well-being 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," Bunyan affirmed. The Daily Mail has reached out to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines for further comment on the incident.
