P&O Cruises UK Issues Update on Ventura Ship's Gastroenteritis Outbreak: Incident on 14 December 2024

On 14 December 2024, P&O Cruises UK issued an update regarding a suspected gastroenteritis outbreak aboard the cruise ship MS Ventura. Passengers onboard experienced gastrointestinal illness, with symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. The operator implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures in response to the outbreak.

P&O Cruises confirmed that all cleaning protocols are aligned with global and regional public health authority guidelines, and the company is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew.

Reports of passenger illness emerged on 4 December 2024. Affected passengers experienced gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with gastroenteritis. In response, P&O Cruises promptly activated enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures across the vessel to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

Status

• Passengers and crew onboard at time of outbreak.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• Multiple passengers affected by gastrointestinal illness; specific injury count not disclosed.

Rescued

• No evacuation required; vessel remained operational.

P&O Cruises implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures in line with global and regional public health authority guidelines. The operator reassured passengers of its commitment to thorough cleaning protocols and passenger safety throughout the outbreak response.

The MS Ventura continued operations with enhanced health and safety measures in place. This outbreak follows a series of norovirus incidents earlier in 2024 that affected over 1,000 passengers across 11 P&O Cruises voyages.