A SALTCOATS couple whose dream cruise turned into a ‘nightmare’ after one of them fell seriously ill with norovirus have instructed lawyers to investigate the conditions on board the ship.

Robert and Rona Clements booked the two-week trip on the Thomson Spirit cruise ship to celebrate Robert’s 67th birthday in April last year.

The cruise was scheduled to sail around the Mediterranean and stop at different ports including Rome and Alicante.

On board the vessel, Robert began to experience gastric illness including diarrhoea, stomach cramps and spasms.

The couple both went to see the on-board doctor, who diagnosed Robert with norovirus. Both were confined to their cabin for 48 hours due to his illness, and were unable to get off the ship to visit the Colosseum in Rome on Robert’s 67th birthday, as they had planned.

The couple have now instructed international travel law experts Irwin Mitchell to investigate.

Robert alleges that, on occasions, some of the food had been served lukewarm and claimed that on one particular occasion some of the chicken they ate ‘had not been cooked properly’ and tasted peculiar.

Irwin Mitchell has previously been instructed by 12 passengers who suffered from similar symptoms to Robert and Rona, 71, on board the ship in 2013 Investigations in relation to that claim continue to be pursued on behalf of the holidaymakers.

Robert now suffers from rheumatoid arthitis which he alleges was triggered by the illness and had to alter his diet because of his ongoing symptoms.

He said: “I was absolutely crippled with no strength at all. My muscles and joints seized up. I couldn’t even open a bag of crisps.” “I feel very disappointed that I could not celebrate my birthday properly or as planned.

“The whole trip was ruined by the pain and discomfort I have suffered.

“Having to stay in my cabin while being so close to the Colosseum of Rome – a wonder of the world – was a truly terrible and disappointing experience.” “The doctor told me if we left the cabin we’d be put off the boat at the next port and left at the quayside.” The couple contacted their travel agent, who passed on their complaints to Thomson Cruises. They claim the company never responded.

Mr Clements, a retired blacksmith, added: “We paid £2,600 for a cruise on which we spent 40 per cent of the time in our cabin.

“I heard other people talking about having sickness and diarrhoea, but said they didn’t call the doctor because it costs 90 Euros before he even steps in the cabin and you get confined to your cabin.” Jennifer Downing, a travel law expert from Irwin Mitchell, said: “Gastroenteritis can cause huge discomfort and very unpleasant symptoms.

“We are now looking into the conditions on the ship in order to establish why Robert developed gastric illness.

“We are concerned at the couple’s reports that other passengers fell ill and we hope that Thomson will assist in our investigations and work with us to help provide the answers our clients are desperately seeking.” A spokesperson from Thomson Cruises said: “We are sorry to hear of Mr and Mrs Clements’ experience on board Thomson Spirit.

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

“The ultimate priority for Thomson Cruises is the health, safety and comfort of all our customers.

“We operate stringent health and hygiene procedures in line with industry standards.”