Cruise ship passengers isolating amid bug outbreak

Ventura has a capacity of more than 3,000 passengers and 1,200 crew members

A number of people are isolating on a cruise ship following the outbreak of a stomach bug.

The P&O Cruises vessel Ventura left Southampton on 11 May for a two-week cruise around the Canary Islands.

Following reports of passengers with "gastrointestinal symptoms", the company said "enhanced" sanitation protocols had been put in place.

The company would not confirm how many people on the ship were unwell.

It said a further "enhanced and extended sanitisation" took place on Friday while Ventura was docked in Tenerife.

A P&O spokesperson said on-board launderettes had been closed and passengers were not allowed to serve themselves from the buffets but stated the ship was not on lockdown.

A "wide range of approved protocols" had been implemented, they said, including "constant and enhanced sanitation" by specialist teams and "isolating those affected".

"Ensuring the health and wellbeing of all guests and crew is our absolute priority," the spokesperson added.