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A recent sailing on Fred Olsen Cruises’ Balmoral was disrupted after a significant number of passengers fell ill while on board. The ship, which was on a 10-night cruise around the Norwegian fjords and the Shetland Islands, reported a suspected outbreak of a stomach bug, with passengers experiencing symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. The situation led to missed ports, onboard isolation measures, and the cruise ending earlier than planned.
But let’s clarify. This isn’t a poop cruise situation.
The Balmoral isn’t a mega-liner. It’s a mid-sized vessel that feels more like a floating boutique hotel than something you’d see from Royal Caribbean. It can carry around 1,250 passengers and crew, with spacious lounges, elegant dining rooms and a quieter, more old-world cruising vibe that’s particularly loved by those who prefer a gentler pace at sea.
What Happened on Board
The Balmoral had been due to call at Lerwick in Shetland on January 27 so guests could enjoy the Up-Helly-Aa fire festival, a spectacular cultural event that draws visitors from all over the world.
Unfortunately the weather had other ideas. Strong winds and rough seas in the area meant the ship’s planned stop had to be cancelled for safety reasons. That was the first disappointment.
At the same time, reports came in from passengers that a stomach bug, suspected to be gastroenteritis, was spreading through the ship. This is a highly infectious bug that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting, and is sometimes confused with seasickness, especially on rough waters.
Passengers told local media that around 200 people were affected, and there were daily announcements about increasing cases. Some travellers were placed in isolation so they wouldn’t spread the illness further, and crew worked to help the unwell.
How can this happen on a cruise ship?
Cruise ships are enclosed environments where viruses like norovirus can spread quickly, especially through shared dining areas and high-touch surfaces.
Is this unusual in the cruise industry?
No. Illness outbreaks happen across all cruise lines from time to time, including on land-based resorts and hotels.
What does this mean for people onboard at the time?
Affected passengers may be asked to isolate in their cabins, while crew increase cleaning and sanitation measures across the ship.
Is it safe for the next guests getting on board?
Yes. Cruise lines follow strict health protocols, and ships are not permitted to sail with new guests until cleaning standards are met.
Seasickness or Something More?
Not everyone agreed that it was a classic stomach bug. Some guests pointed out that the crossing from Norway had been bumpy, leading to seasickness for a number of people. That might have made ordinary symptoms feel worse, or made it harder to tell exactly what was going on.
There’s no official word yet from Fred Olsen Cruises on the exact cause of the sickness or how many people were affected, but the company said health and wellbeing remain their top priority, and that their medical team was on hand to care for anyone unwell.
A Classic Ship With a Loyal Following
The Balmoral has been part of the Fred Olsen fleet for many years and is especially popular with travellers who love scenic cruising without the noise and crowds of the largest ships. Its design reflects the golden age of sea travel, with wood-panelled lounges, refined service and older-world charm. That’s part of why this latest outbreak has grabbed attention online and in Scottish press.
More blogs like this:
Norovirus Outbreak on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas: What Happened and What You Need to Know
Carnival Poop Cruise – Explained
