Gainsborough: Holidaymaker suing firm after ‘nightmare’ luxury cruise

A Gainsborough man is among the angry passengers fighting a ground-breaking legal battle over a ‘nightmare’ luxury cruise.

Eight holidaymakers are suing travel giants TUI UK Ltd after suffering sickness and diarrhoea during their May 2009 cruise aboard the ‘Thomson Spirit’.

They also want thousands of pounds in damages for their distress, inconvenience and ruined holidays.

Among them is Kevin Moden, from Gainsborough, who booked the cuise with his wife, ‘having enjoyed previous cruises - including a Thomson cruise’.

However, TUI is fighting them every inch of the way, saying it did all it could to control an outbreak of noroviris.

The outbreak, the company insists, had nothing to do with poor food hygiene but was brought on board by an infected passenger.

Mr Moden was laid low by illness on 5th May, suffering symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps. His spouse was also stricken.

“He went to the medical centre and was seen by a nurse who was dismissive of his condition and suggested it was due to a rich diet,” said his barrister, QC David Allan.

Mr Moden was advised to rest in his cabin and that a doctor would visit him, but ‘a doctor never came’.

“After a few days his symptoms eased but he remained feeling run down and was unable to enjoy the cruise.

“The illness ruined the holiday for Mr Moden and his wife”, Mr Allan told the court.

Some of the eight were stricken by symptoms which lingered on after arriving home, said Mr Allan, while others are suing over the allegedly shabby conditions they endured.

“In addition to the illnesses, the claimants have complaints regarding the quality of the holiday,” he told Central London County Court.

The ill-fated cruise started at Ibiza and finished at Newcastle, via Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, Morocco, France and Belgium.

The hearing is continuing at Central London County Court.