Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2015

Holiday illnesses are never pleasant, especially if you've worked and saved up for months on end to be able to afford such a break. But falling ill due to poor food preparation hygiene on the part of a tour operator can be even more grating.

Travel giant Thompson faces just such an accusation, according to the Mirror. Almost 100 holidaymakers could be about to sue the operator after suffering severe sickness and gastric problems on board the luxury liner Island Escape.

A number of passengers who travelled on the ship over a nine-month period have taken legal action against the British operator.

"Reheated and undercooked food"

Those affected were a honeymoon couple and a man celebrating his 60th birthday. They, along with a number of others, say their holidays were ruined after they suffered "severe gastric illness symptoms" after being served "reheated and undercooked food".

Amandeep Dhillon, a partner at the legal firm Irwin Mitchell hired to represent the group, said:

"The large number of people who have instructed us to investigate their complaints about this cruise ship is very worrying.

"Some of these passengers suffered from severe gastric illness symptoms whilst on board the cruise ship when they should have been relaxing and enjoying themselves."

According to solicitors instructed to represent the group of holidaymakers, this is not the first time such problems have arisen on the Island Escape; three similar complaints against the ship have been made in the last six years. As we reported last year, TUI – Thomson's parent firm – agreed pay-outs to passengers who fell ill on the ship between 2009 and 2010.

Food poisoning is a problem commonly faced by holidaymakers, not only on cruise ships but in hotels, restaurants and resorts across the world.

Getting to and from Cruise Ports

Those heading off on cruise holidays may have to deal with a number of other risks before they even board their ship: lost luggage; travel delays and cancellations; as well as lost, stolen or damaged items – can all take place en route to the port of embarkation.

While starttravel.co.uk's single or annual travel insurance policies do not cover cruise holidays, they can provide important protection whilst travelling to or from a port of embarkation, or if your holiday includes time spent on land.

And of course, these products cover any medical expenses you might face due to food poisoning or any other medical situation that occurs on a land-based holiday.

Discover more about our travel insurance policy today.

Get a Quote