Passengers on cruise ship bound for Shetland festival Up-Helly-Aa hit by outbreak of gastroenteritis

A number of passengers on a cruise ship that was set to visit the Up-Helly-Aa festival in Shetland have been affected by an outbreak of gastroenteritis.

The Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines vessel Balmoral had been due to call at Lerwick on Tuesday to enable passengers to attend Up-Helly-Aa as part of the ten-night ‘Wintertime Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords’ cruise.

The long-established Viking-themed event attracts spectators to the north to spend a day of socialising before the torching of the centrepiece of the celebrations, a Viking ship.

However, the visit was cancelled on Sunday due to forecasts for stormy weather. A number of passengers on the Balmoral subsequently reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness

The ship, which was due to return to Southampton on Friday, will now be delayed to allow for a deep clean of the ship and the cruise terminal following the outbreak.

Dr Kate Bunyan, director of health services at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: “A number of guests on board Balmoral have reported symptoms of gastrointestinal-related illness during her ten-night ‘Wintertime Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords’ cruise.

“We have immediately implemented measures to help reduce transmission, and our medical team is on hand to provide support to anyone who should feel unwell during the cruise.

“Balmoral will be returning to Southampton tomorrow, where she will set sail a little later than planned to allow for a deep clean of the ship and cruise terminal.

“The safety and well-being of our guests and crew is our highest priority, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has robust health, hygiene, and safety protocols in place at all times.”