Virus-hit cruise line repays fares

Published on Saturday 11 July 2009 00:30

PASSENGERS on a cruise ship struck by a vomiting bug outbreak were last night promised a full refund.

Ship operator Transocean Tours of Bremen said the fares would be refunded as a "gesture of goodwill".

The Marco Polo cut short its round Britain cruise after about 400 people fell ill with the norovirus.

The vessel, which had 769 passengers and 340 crew on board, spent three days at Invergordon in Easter Ross. On Thursday, it set sail to take passengers back to Tilbury, Essex, from where it set off last Saturday. It was due to arrive this morning.

About 120 other passengers boarded a chartered train in Inverness on Thursday to make their journeys home by rail.

Transocean Tours said that passengers will also get a refund of money spent on drinks on board, and a 50 per cent discount on future cruises.

A statement issued to passengers said: "The investigation into the virus outbreak that has affected this cruise is still ongoing and, at this time, its cause remains unknown.

"However, without prejudice to those issues, after due consideration, it is advised that, as gesture of goodwill, you will receive, via your tour operator, an ex-gratia payment in full compensation of the full amount of your cruise fare.

"We reiterate our thanks for your patience and understanding during the last few days but sincerely hope that we shall have the privilege of welcoming you aboard Marco Polo, in happier circumstances, in the future."

Six people needed hospital treatment after catching the virus, while passenger Roy Sillett, 74, from Norwich, died on Monday of an apparent heart attack which the company said was not related to the bug.