Couple from Great Barr sue over 'nightmare' cruise holiday

Jean and Kerry Newcombe, from Great Barr, are among 50 holidaymakers who are suing Thomson following their trip on the Mediterranean cruiser Island Escape.

The couple had gone on the romantic trip on May 28 to celebrate their second wedding anniversary and Mrs Newcombe's birthday.

But just two days into their holiday, the couple fell violently ill with the suspected norovirus bug.

They say the illness ruined their £1,850 holiday and they were forced to spend much of it in hotel rooms and cabins due to the sickness. Grandmother-of-three Mrs Newcombe, aged 69, said: "I've never been so ill and once we were off the ship it continued. We love Palma as we have been before, but we couldn't do anything. We had to just stay in the hotel.

"It was supposed to be a relaxing holiday but we didn't enjoy it at all."

On return, the couple say they were offered £400 compensation, but declined it in favour of legal action after reading other passengers' experiences online.

Mr Newcombe said: "They offered us £400 compensation once we got back, but we looked online and realised there were other people in the same situation as us. We declined the compensation and have decided to take legal action instead."

Law firm Irwin Mitchell are working on behalf of the couple. The firm has represented more than 250 passengers who have been ill on the Island Escape ship since 2009. It is also representing 48 other passengers who travelled on the cruise between March and June.

Thomson has apologised for the Newcombe's ruined holiday but defended the company's record. A spokesman said: "We are sorry to hear of Mrs Newcombe's experience on board the Island Escape.

"As this case is now subject to legal proceedings it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."