A passenger died after contracting norovirus on a cruise ship.
Alan Forster, 77, passed away from suspected kidney failure after a cruise last October, The Independent reported. He was sailing aboard P&O Cruises' Arcadia from England to the United States and Canada.
Two weeks into the month-long cruise, Forster developed norovirus symptoms, including stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Lawyers at Irwin Mithcell claim that one week after reporting his symptoms, Forster, a retired teacher, collapsed and was hooked up to an IV drip in the ship’s medical center. No other treatment was offered, though.
Once the ship docked in Saint John, Canada, he was taken to the hospital for treatment. The family's lawyer, Jatinder Paul, called Forster's deteriorating condition "deeply concerning."
"I blame myself," said Forster's window, Dianna, who had traveled with him on 47 cruises. "All we want now is some answers to help understand what happened and what can be done to prevent this horrendous and ongoing ordeal from happening to anyone else."
“Following an outbreak of norovirus it’s vital that investigations are carried out on the failings on board the cruise ship as well as the delays with getting Alan the medical treatment he needed," Paul exclaimed.
“While there’s nothing that can change what happened, we’re now investigating and are determined to get Dianna, John and Iain the answers they deserve.”
“We were saddened to receive a letter from solicitors informing us of the death of Mr Forster approximately three weeks after his disembarkation from Arcadia and making a claim for compensation," said a P&O Cruises spokesperson.
“A preliminary review indicates that when medical staff were informed of Mr Forster’s deteriorating health, care was initiated and onward specialist review and support facilitated at a shoreside hospital."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 128 out of 1,959 passengers reported being ill on the September 3, 2024, sailing. Additionally, 19 out of 799 crew members fell ill on the same voyage. The predominant symptoms included diarrhea and vomiting.
P&O Arcadia entered service in 2005. The Vista Class cruise ship was originally ordered for Holland America Line. However, in 2003, she was allocated to Cunard Line and slated to become the Queen Victoria. Shortly before the ship's launch, she was transferred to P&O Cruises becoming the Arcadia.
Today, P&O Arcadia is an adults-only cruise ship measuring around 84,000 gross registered tons.
2024 was the worst year for GI outbreaks on cruise ships in over a decade
Norovirus cases surged in the United States last year. The first outbreak occurred in early January, with 82 passengers falling ill aboard Celebrity Constellation.
December saw a higher-than-usual number of cases reported, with over 940 people—both passengers and crew—affected by stomach illnesses on five ships: Oceania Nautica, Queen Mary 2, Holland American Line's Rotterdam, Ruby Princess, and HAL Zuiderdam.
From January to December 2024, 18 gastrointestinal outbreaks were reported on cruise ships, including norovirus, Salmonella, and E. coli. Holland America Line's Eurodam departed on December 30, 2024, but norovirus cases weren't reported to the CDC until Jan. 4, 2025.
Cruise ships are required to report GI cases to the CDC if they meet certain criteria:
- Three or more loose stools within a 24-hour period or what is more than normal for that person
- Vomiting along with one of the following symptoms: diarrhea, muscle ache, headache, abdominal cramp, or fever
Reporting illnesses helps limit their spread in cruise ships' confined spaces.
Read more: The 29 Cleanest Cruise Ships at Sea, According to a New Report
How to protect yourself on a cruise
Nobody wants to fall ill on vacation, so it's important to keep up with your hygiene and follow recommended protocols to stay healthy on your cruise.
You should stay hydrated to support your immune system and frequently wash your hands to reduce the risk of contracting an illness. Some cruisers may also prefer to take immune supplements containing vitamins like C, D, and zinc to strengthen their immune system while traveling in tight quarters.
Additionally, be mindful of touching surfaces in high-traffic areas, such as the elevators and buffet. Personally, I like to sanitize my hands before entering the buffet and after I've grabbed my food, touching potentially contaminated tongs.
Read more: 10 tips to make your next cruise healthier
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
