Unless you have been living on Mars for the past 3 weeks, you would have undoubtedly read or watched hours of news reporting on the tragedy of the Costa Concordia. We’ve certainly all seen the image – the ginormous cruise liner perched on its side on the Italian coastline.

As with all forms of mass transport, the only time people ever really take notice is when something is when an accident occurs. But what are the real dangers to embarking on the high seas?

What are the real dangers of a cruise?

In reality, incidents such as those seen recently are extremely rare. Often, the main reason a cruise can be ruined is an outbreak of Norovirus. The winter vomiting bug is a highly contagious, and is spread from person to person via the air. In the densely populated arena of the cruise ship, Norovirus can spread from cabin to cabin before you have time to reach for the toilet roll. Without the proper action by cabin staff, you can quickly find your holiday ruined due to the illness.

Battling the bug - Norovirus on a cruise ship

The winter vomiting bug is often viewed as being so common in its occurrence, that it is a simple part of life, such as catching a cold. However, the effects of Norovirus on a Cruise Ship can often be far more devastating. If the staff on board are doing their job, you will find yourself cooped up in your cabin, quarantined from others, a prisoner on your own holiday. All of a sudden, your holiday is ruined.

There are an increasing number of claims arising from passengers who contracted an illness whilst abroad. Is it fair that a Cruise Liner should pay compensation to those who became ill? Is it fair that your holiday can be completely ruined through no fault of your own, and then have no recourse to make a claim? It certainly is an interesting debate.

As a passenger, you can only do so much to avoid the bug. However, even if you do wash your hands and carry disinfectant around with you wherever you roam, it really is the ship’s captain and crew who are crucial.

If they haven’t quarantined those infected, if they haven’t ensured hands are washed, and if they haven’t warned all passenger that Norovirus is, or has, been on board, you may find yourself wanting compensation for your holiday.