HUNDREDS of people have been struck with a highly contagious virus on a cruise ship set to arrive in Harwich tomorrow.

A Carribean Cruise turned sour for at least 292 guests when they and 16 staff members came down with what is commonly referred to as a “winter vomiting disease”.

The Norovirus, which can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, people and food, results in severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

Cruise ship, Jewel of the Seas, began its sailing from Harwich on May 31 and is expected to return on Saturday morning where it is set to undergo intensive cleaning and sanitizating.

Surinder Manku, spokesperson for Carribean Cruises International, said: “Jewel of the Seas, which began its sailing in Harwich, is experiencing an elevated number of persons with a gastrointestinal illness.

“292 guests and 16 crew members have experienced the illness, thought to be a Norovirus - those affected by the short-lived illness responded well to over-the-counter medication being administered onboard the ship.”

She added: “At Royal Caribbean International, we have high health standards for all our guests and crew.

“Therefore, in an abundance of caution, once Jewel of the Seas arrives in Harwich on Saturday, June 12, we will conduct an extensive and thorough sanitizing onboard the ship and within the cruise terminal, to help prevent any illness from affecting the subsequent sailing.

“Because of this additional sanitizing, boarding is now anticipated to begin at approximately 3pm on Saturday. “ Passengers are returning from a 12 night cruise that called in Copenhagen, Denmark, Stockholm, Sweden, Helsinki, Finland, St. Petersburg, Russia, Tallinn, Estonia and Gothenburg, Sweden.

Noroviruses spread through contact and a sufferer can become infected again as immunity to the virus only lasts for a short period of time.

Symptoms of severe vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which in extreme cases can lead to dizziness and a low level of consciousness.

Enchanced cleaning is ongoing onboard the cruise ship to prevent the spread of the illness.

All guests delayed by the later boarding on Saturday afternoon are set to be given $25 USD onboard credit.

Harwich International Port were unavailable to comment on the procautions they were set to take when the ship docks.