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Cruiselines battle sick bug

THE CRUISE industry has sought to reassure the trade after viral outbreaks on two ships. Van Gogh, operated by Travelscope, was quarantined in Harwich by the UK Marine and Coastguard Agency on Sunday after 70 passengers and 16 crew became infected.

The news came as 46 passengers on Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Black Watch fell ill on a Celtic Connections cruise that ended on Saturday in Greenock. Both ships have since been disinfected and cleared to continue operations.

Travelscope, which started developing a trade distribution network just nine months ago, was forced to cancel a six-day Norwegian cruise on Van Gogh.

It offered refunds to all 500 passengers, along with £30 compensation plus 25% off a future cruise on Van Gogh.

Head of agency sales Darren Parris said the weekend’s news reports were damaging but said he was not aware of any cancellations and the ship will sail as planned to Norway tomorrow.

“We handled it professionally and have gone to great lengths to put passengers’ health and safety first,” he said.

Passenger Shipping Association director Bill Gibbons said incidents were rare but because such viruses are prevalent among the population it is something all cruiselines must constantly deal with.

“Cruise ships have to ensure the spread of the virus is kept to the absolute minimum. We are looking to agree common industry protocols so you get the same approach from every cruiseline,” he said.

P&O Cruises managing director David Dingle said any ships operating out of, or calling at, UK ports are subject to strict safety regulations.

Travelscope will hold an open day on June 9 in Harwich when agents can inspect its two ships and is about to launch online booking for the trade.

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