A luxury cruise turned into a holiday from hell for a Huddersfield couple – who are now taking legal action.
Bernadette Lloyd and husband Stephen set sail to the Caribbean to celebrate their retirement.
But instead of sipping rum punch they endured days of illness, leaking air-conditioning and a flooded bathroom.
The trip culminated with Bernadette being admitted to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary with severe pneumonia.
The 58-year-old spent six days in hospital after returning from the 14-day cruise on board the Thomson Celebration.
Meanwhile Stephen, 65, was diagnosed with a chest infection and given a course of antibiotics by his GP.
The couple have now instructed lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of their illness.
The firm is also acting on behalf of four others who were also passengers on board the cruise ship at the same time as Bernadette and Stephen and passengers who have suffered similar issues in previous years.
Said Bernadette: “The trip was supposed to be a memorable start to a long and happy retirement, but we won’t be looking back on it fondly.
“Being so unwell was a very frightening experience, not just for me but Stephen too.
“I was delirious, I was imagining all sorts of things and I just couldn’t breathe.
“It was a disappointing experience anyway as we had issues with our cabin. On one occasion, the bathroom flooded with dirty water and the air conditioning unit dripped onto our bed throughout the cruise. It wasn’t the way we expected to celebrate our retirement.
“During the last few days of the holiday both Stephen and I felt unwell.
“By the time we got home Stephen and I were coughing all the time and I just felt tired and weak – as if I was going to pass out. I felt as though I couldn’t breathe. It was frightening.”
Stephen called an out-of-hours GP to examine Bernadette and the couple were told she needed urgent hospital treatment.
They went to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where Bernadette was admitted and put under the care of doctors.
Lawyer, Nichola Blackburn, who is representing the passengers, said: “This was supposed to be a special trip to celebrate a well-deserved retirement. But Bernadette and Stephen’s experience was miserable due to the problems they endured.
“We have launched an investigation into what caused their illness and hope they get answers about how they came to fall ill.”
The firm is taking action against Thomson’s parent company TUI UK Limited.
A spokesperson from Thomson Cruises said: “We are sorry to hear of Mr and Mrs Lloyd’s experience on-board the Thomson Dream.
“As this is now subject to legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.
“Thomson Cruises closely audits its ships to ensure that health, hygiene and comfort levels are maintained in line with industry standards.”
