Passengers Take Legal Action After Outbreaks Aboard P&O Ship
What was meant to be a couple of birthday celebrations turned sour after passengers fell ill aboard P&O Cruises’ Ventura in May and June 2025 — and now they’re taking legal action.
Irwin Mitchell, a UK law firm, confirmed on June 30, 2025, that it is representing more than 60 former passengers who claim to have become sick during recent cruises on Ventura since 2024.
Jason Howard, of Worthing, West Sussex, boarded Ventura with his sons on May 24, 2025, for a birthday cruise to Spain and France. Just two days in, his 14-year-old son became ill with vomiting and diarrhea.
Two days later, his 12-year-old showed symptoms, and soon after, Howard also became sick. The family was asked to isolate and Howard said they spent only a few days out of the weeklong sailing together.
He described the state of his cabin as “filthy,” noting discarded contact lenses on the floor and dust buildup on the skirting boards. He said he complained three times before the room was properly cleaned.
He also claims he still suffers from bloating, dizziness, and ongoing bowel issues. “All I want now are some answers,” he said. “It’s the least we deserve.”
In a separate incident, Southport, UK, retirees Steve and Lynn Smith boarded Ventura on May 10, 2025, for a 2-week Canary Islands cruise to mark their 65th and 60th birthdays. Within days, Lynn experienced severe vomiting, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms.
Steve fell ill soon after and was seen by the ship’s doctor. “We didn’t even get to leave the ship to go on any excursions,” he said.
Neither, according to the Smiths, have fully recovered.
The couple noted that scheduled entertainment was cancelled due to staff illness and that they saw another passenger vomit inside the ship’s restaurant.
Jatinder Paul of Irwin Mitchell said the firm is working to uncover what happened and whether any safety issues contributed to the outbreaks.
“The latest news of illness onboard the Ventura and the symptoms our clients are reporting is a concern,” Paul said.
“The effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed, as, in some cases, it can lead to serious long-term and permanent health complications,” he continued in a statement.
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The law firm is suing P&O Cruises’ parent company, Carnival UK, which is a member of the Carnival Corporation.
A spokesperson from the cruise line told UK media it has received a letter from the law firm and “are investigating the allegations made.”
Recurring Lawsuits and Outbreaks
These latest complaints are not isolated. In November 2024, Hudgell Solicitors lodged a claim on behalf of 115 former Ventura passengers who fell ill during cruises between April and June 2024.
Lawyers allege repeated norovirus outbreaks and poor sanitation aboard the vessel, and highlighted a May 11, 2024, sailing from Southampton when over 500 guests experienced symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
While P&O Cruises initially stated fewer than 1 percent of Ventura’s 3,200 passengers fell ill, the Southampton port health authority later suggested the actual figure might have exceeded 12 percent.
Guests also alleged that despite a deep cleaning prior to the following May 25, 2024, cruise, illness still spread during the voyage.
Lawyers said they uncovered outbreaks across multiple voyages, including those in April, May, and December 2024.
Similar outbreaks have been reported on P&O Cruises’ 5,000-guest Iona, including a February 2025 outbreak that affected nearly 50 passengers and crew members.
Passengers Take Legal Action After Outbreaks Aboard P&O Ship