A retired County Durham couple are taking legal action against a cruise ship company after their trip was ruined by illness

Allan and Mary Strange, from Ferryhill, County Durham sailed around Southern Asia with Princess Cruises to celebrate Mary's 65th birthday in March 2015.

They were then struck down with sickness, stomach pains and fever, which they attributed to poor hygiene practices and undercooked food on board.

They reported that hand sanitising procedures did not appear to be enforced on board the ship and guests were not cleaning their hands before visiting the restaurants.

They also claim the food was sometimes lukewarm and that chicken was, occasionally, seen to be pink inside.

Allan, 66, and Mary, 65, both visited the medical centre on board the ship and were given intravenous injections and medication to alleviate the symptoms which they were suffering with.

However, their illness continued for the rest of the cruise.

Mary said:

“We are very experienced travellers and have been on a number of cruises around the world, but we have never experienced anything like this before.

"We both suffered with horrendous symptoms on the ship and I was extremely concerned about Allan and feared for his life as he was so ill.

“We were not able to enjoy the cruise as much as we would have done as a result of our illness and the last thing we expected to be doing on holiday was visiting the medical centre.

“Both of us were looking forward to the cruise and celebrating my birthday, as well as Allan’s retirement, in style, but the holiday didn’t turn out that way and we are still suffering the after effects of this illness and are constantly feeling run down and tired.

"We are usually quite active people, but this has knocked us for six.

"We want answers as to why we suffered the illness we did and hope that things can change to ensure other people don’t suffer in the same way that we have.”

Jatinder Paul, a Solicitor and expert international personal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is representing the couple, said:

“The illness Allan and Mary suffered while on board the Sapphire Princess is concerning.

“Older people and children are particularly vulnerable when affected by gastric illness and it is important that these issues are not downplayed. It is too early to identify the cause of Allan and Mary’s illness and whether more could have been done to prevent it.

"Our investigations will include consideration of the conditions and hygiene measures which were in place on board the vessel at the time to prevent the spread of illness on board the Sapphire Princess cruise.

“The last thing Allan and Mary expected when booking their cruise to celebrate Mary’s birthday was to be stuck in their cabin or the ship’s medical centre.

"Understandably they want answers about why they fell ill.

“We would urge anyone else who has had a similar experience on board the Sapphire Princess to come forward as they may be able to help with our investigations.”

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said:

"We are sorry Mr and Mrs Strange became unwell while on board. Our on board doctor provided them with medication and support and did everything possible to help them with their illness.

"Their symptoms were consistent with Norovirus, which would not have been caused by food, but rather by person to person transmission. 

"Norovirus is the most common cause of stomach bugs in England and Wales and occurs in environments such as hotels, schools and restaurants.

"We employ stringent health and safety measures.

"Hand sanitisers and wash basins are located across each ship for guests to use before entering restaurants and other public areas.

"Princess Cruises works closely with both the port health authorities and public health organisations such as the United Kingdom Public Health Association in order to maintain high standards across its fleet."