The P&O Ventura cruise ship, currently in Tenerife on a 14-night cruise around the Canary Islands, has been plagued with hundreds of cases of Norovirus, with sources claiming that approximately 150 passengers have been locked down in their cabins and a further 250 cases confirmed in the last four days. The outbreak allegedly started six weeks ago, during which several cruises have taken place. Some 1,500 staff on board are threatening to walk out if P&O doesn’t suspend cruises until the issue is resolved. Passengers have shared horror stories of violent bouts of sickness and toilets covered in excrement, criticising the company for its handling of the situation.
Passengers onboard the P&O Ventura described the situation as terrible, with management focused on making money while neglecting the health and safety of crew and guests. Disgruntled employees claim that the crew, particularly the housekeeping team, have been dealing with guests vomiting in public spaces for a month. Some guests have left the ship to go home, while others have been hospitalized. Crew members have expressed their intention to strike if the cruise isn’t canceled and thoroughly cleaned. P&O claims to have implemented enhanced sanitization protocols but faces criticism for its response to the outbreak.
Prompted by the situation, P&O has taken steps to improve onboard hygiene, including installing mandatory hand sanitation stations and removing self-serve options in the buffet area. However, insiders say that large numbers of passengers are still gathering in communal areas for activities. Passengers were not informed of the sickness bug until shortly before boarding, leading to chaos and frustration among those affected. Guests have criticized the cruise line’s management for its poor handling of the outbreak, leaving isolated passengers to fight for bathroom cleaning and basic necessities such as water and food.
The UK Health Security Agency and Southampton City Council have been contacted for comments on the situation. Cruise officials have assured that an extended sanitization process is underway while guests are ashore in Tenerife. With concerns over the ongoing outbreak and the mental and physical well-being of passengers and crew members, the situation onboard the P&O Ventura remains tense. The cruise line faces backlash for allegedly prioritizing profits over the health and safety of all those on board. Efforts to resolve the issue and prevent further spread of the Norovirus may require more extensive cleaning and sanitation measures.
