The Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ship, Balmoral, recently faced a “double whammy” of misfortune during a 10-night trip to the Norwegian Fjords. Roughly 200 passengers, nearly 15% of those on board, fell ill with symptoms of gastroenteritis, while severe weather simultaneously forced the cancellation of a major festival visit.
Virus outbreak aboard cruise ships, while often more of a nuisance for most, can impact older passengers, especially those in poor health or may have co-morbidity health issues.
1. The Gastrointestinal Outbreak
Scale:
Approximately 200 people reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Atmosphere:
Passengers described an “unpleasant environment” as the ship shifted into high-alert mode to contain the spread.
Operational Changes:
To mitigate transmission, the ship suspended self-service dining, cancelled “contact” activities like dancing, and removed shared items such as library books, jigsaws, and playing cards.
2. Itinerary Disruptions
Missed Festival:
The ship was scheduled to dock in Lerwick for Up Helly Aa (Europe’s largest fire festival), but stormy weather forecasts forced a cancellation.
Priority on Safety:
The cruise line maintained that the safety of guests and crew remained the highest priority despite the disappointment of missing the event.
3. The Cruise Line’s Response
Medical Support:
Staff conducted daily announcements and checked on quarantined passengers. One passenger reported being confined to her cabin for 48 hours with nurse visits.
Deep Cleaning:
The ship’s next departure from Southampton was delayed to allow for a comprehensive deep clean of the vessel and the cruise terminal.
This story is a textbook example of how quickly “robust health protocols” can be tested when an illness takes hold in a confined space.
Waks and Barnett, P.A.: Your Advocates For Cruise Ship Injury Claims
The attorneys at Waks and Barnett, P.A. understand the complexities of medical negligence cases against cruise lines. We know the difference between standard medical protocols and outright negligence. With over 35 years of experience fighting for injured passengers in Miami, we are adept at cutting through the cruise lines’ defenses and holding them accountable when their promised health and safety systems don’t deliver.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or experienced medical malpractice on a Royal Caribbean or other cruise ship, don’t let the cruise line’s well-advertised protocols overshadow your right to justice.
For more information from our attorneys, please call us today. There is no-obligation with the call – and – the call with our attorneys is free. Call today at 1-305-271-8282.
Our cruise ship accident lawyers have been helping injured passengers and crew members for more than 35 years. We help you understand your rights and will assist you in filing an injury claim against the cruise line. If you believe negligence played a role in your injury – or just have questions about the your accident – please contact our office today.