The widow of a pensioner who died after contracting norovirus on a P&O cruise ship has said that "years were cruelly taken from them" after claiming the cruise company offered no medical treatment for them on board.

Retired teacher Alan Forster fell ill on board Arcadia on a dream cruise from Southampton to New York in September.

The 77-year-old began to suffer from diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain around two weeks into the month-long trip as they returned across the Atlantic.

One of almost 100 passengers to report gastrointestinal symptoms, many of whom were quarantined to their cabins, the father-of-two and grandfather-of-four was eventually transferred to hospital in Saint John, Canada, after the ship docked there.Alan Forster in hospitalAlan Forster in hospital (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)

He died from suspected kidney failure.

Dianna, a retired teacher and Alan’s wife of 54 years, said they "couldn't wait" for the cruise.

She said: “Alan is not one to normally complain, so when he said he felt unwell I knew something was very wrong and it was more than just an upset stomach.

“There were announcements that there was norovirus on the ship, so we suspected it must be that and he would get any medical help he needed.

"It took many long and traumatic days of being quarantined in our room for the nurses to come and see Alan, and even then they didn’t do anything outside of lifting him back into bed.

"I tried to raise the alarm several times but I was shouted at and told to get back into my room. It was not until his symptoms became critical and I refused to take no for an answer, that he was finally taken to the medical centre.

“I knew it must be serious when we docked in Canada and Alan was taken to hospital. However, not for one minute did I think I was going to lose him. Even when my son flew over to bring us home, I still couldn’t comprehend that Alan might not make it with us.

“Alan was the most loving husband and dad. We were looking forward to many more years together but that’s been taken away in the cruellest of ways.”

Now, 79-year-old Dianna and the couple's sons, John and Iain, have instructed lawyers to investigate and have claimed compensation from P&O Cruises.

Dianna continued: “It was me who wanted to go on the cruise - I blame myself.

"All we want now is some answers to help understand what happened and what can be done to prevent this horrendous and ongoing ordeal from happening to anyone else."

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According to Dianna, the only assistance the pair were given was from one nurse who assisted in lifting Alan off the floor when he collapsed.

The couple had travelled on 47 cruise voyages before and Alan leaves behind his two sons John and Iain, both aged 47, as well as four grandchildren. 

Dianna and Alan ForsterDianna and Alan Forster (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)

In a statement to media outlets, a P&O Cruises spokesperson said: ''We were sorry to receive a legal letter informing us of the death of Mr Forster and making a claim for compensation.

"We will investigate the matters alleged and respond as appropriate once the investigation has been completed."