Cruise passengers on P&O Cruises' ship Ventura are facing an outbreak of sickness on board the vessel. 

A passenger told the Echo that cruise passengers are being advised not to gather in large groups following a ship-wide announcement.

The passenger, who did not want to be named, said people had been warned the sickness was gastroenteritis. They said they were warned to stay in their cabin if feeling sick.

There have been previous norovirus outbreaks on the ship - with 1,000 cases across 11 sailings earlier this year.

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The ship is currently travelling off the coast of Brest, France.

According to the NHS, gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or viral stomach bug.

A P&O Cruises spokesperson said: "We work closely with relevant global and regional health authorities and we have approved, recognised and proven protocols that are in place throughout every cruise to uphold the health and wellbeing of all guests and crew onboard."