Substantial numbers of cruise passengers have reportedly fallen ill during a major sickness outbreak aboard the Fred Olsen liner Balmoral, with the vessel forced to cancel a scheduled port call amid stormy weather conditions.
Itinerary Disruption and Health Concerns
The Scottish cruise ship, operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, had been due to dock in Lerwick, Shetland, on Tuesday 27th January. However, this planned visit was abandoned on Sunday as severe weather battered the islands, making berthing operations too hazardous according to the company.
Simultaneously, passengers began reporting a significant outbreak of gastroenteritis onboard. This highly infectious stomach bug typically causes unpleasant symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting, prompting the isolation of affected individuals as a precautionary measure.
Conflicting Reports About Illness Scale
One passenger speaking to The Shetland Times suggested approximately 200 people aboard the 1,200-capacity vessel had been taken ill. Daily announcements allegedly warned that the ship was experiencing increasing cases of people presenting with gastroenteritis symptoms.
However, some travellers contested these reports, suggesting to the Daily Record that many cases might simply represent seasickness resulting from the turbulent crossing from Norway rather than a contagious outbreak.
Missed Cultural Celebration
The cancelled Lerwick visit meant certain passengers missed the world-renowned Up-Helly-Aa fire festival, Shetland's annual tribute to its Viking heritage which traditionally takes place on the final Tuesday of January each year.
A Fred Olsen spokesperson acknowledged the disappointment, telling The Shetland Times: "While we understand the disappointment of missing the much-anticipated Up-Helly-Aa festival, the safety of our guests and crew must always remain our highest priority."
Company Response and Cleaning Procedures
Kate Bunyan, the company's director of health services, confirmed several guests had reported gastrointestinal symptoms during the voyage. She stated: "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."
The Balmoral is scheduled to return to Southampton tomorrow, where departure for the next voyage will be delayed to facilitate a comprehensive deep clean of both the ship and cruise terminal facilities.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines emphasised that this extended cleaning period represents a precautionary measure designed to safeguard passenger and crew wellbeing. The company maintains it has robust health, hygiene, and safety protocols continuously in place.
Impact on Subsequent Voyage
Passengers booked on the cruise liner's next departure from Southampton on Thursday reported delays after some guests experienced gastroenteritis symptoms during the current sailing.
The cruise operator contacted guests due to board the Balmoral in Southampton on Friday, explaining that delayed embarkation was necessary to allow for enhanced deep cleaning procedures upon the vessel's arrival in port.
In communications to customers, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines stressed there was "no cause for concern" and highlighted that the schedule adjustment formed part of established health protocols designed to maintain safety standards across all operations.
