P&O Cruises have given an update after an outbreak of sickness on board Ventura that saw passengers advised not to gather in large groups.

The cruise company has said that ‘effective and extensive’ cleaning continues on the ship after a passenger told the Echo that those on board were warned of a the sickness outbreak on December 4.

The sickness is believed to be gastroenteritis, an infection that can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting and abdominal pain.

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But now P&O have offered an update on the situation on Ventura, with the company stating that it has continued cleaning protocols.

A P&O Cruises spokesperson told the Echo: “Out of an abundance of caution we have continued our effective and extensive protocols approved by global and regional public health authorities."

The incident comes after more than 1,000 cases norovirus across 11 voyages earlier this year.

A passenger previously told the Echo that holidaymakers were being advised not to gather in large groups following a ship-wide announcement and warned to stay in their cabin if feeling sick.