The full extent of crew and passengers suffering with norovirus onboard a cruise ship across 11 separate sailings has been revealed.

Between February and June this year some 1,041 people were affected by the virus onboard P&O Cruises' ship Ventura.

As reported, the outbreak peaked at 519 cases during a sailing that departed Southampton on May 11.

The full picture

Norovirus cases onboard Ventura

  • February 11 – 74 cases
  • March 17 – Two cases
  • March 31 – Eight cases
  • April 7 – 12 cases
  • April 20 – 92 cases
  • April 20 – 67 cases
  • May 4 – 144 cases
  • May 11 – 519 cases
  • May 25 – 36 cases
  • June 1 – 59 cases
  • June 11 – 28 cases

The firm is facing calls from passengers to offer refunds and compensation, with Hudgells Solicitors representing dozens of holidaymakers.

Solicitors have criticised the cruise company for a previous statement on May 22 saying that just 0.64 per cent of those on the ship had symptoms of the virus.

A spokesperson said: "After the cruise had ended, the total number of guests who said they had experienced symptoms over the entire cruise was determined to have been approximately 500, a figure which was not known at the time of the original request."

READ MORE: Cruise ship passengers demand compensation over Ventura norovirus outbreak

At the beginning of May, holidaymakers told the Daily Echo of their holiday from hell – enduring violent sickness and cleaning issues.

Lindsey, from South London, described having “the worst night of her life” after what she thought was just a little too much shepherd’s pie.

She said: “I have never been that sick in my life. It was like The Exorcist", adding that her bathroom was an “absolute wreck” after the ordeal.

She went on to say: “I am 48 and I had a very complicated childbirth - but I would choose giving birth any day over what I went through on that ship”.

P&O Cruises previously said “enhanced sanitisation protocols” were put in place.

Among those seeking compensation are Howard and Hazel Lunn, of Devon, who were told of the outbreak the night before departing on their £5,000 holiday.

They both became unwell - first Mr Lunn, 77, just five days into the holiday, with his wife becoming unwell days later.

"Our holiday was completely ruined, as I am sure it was for hundreds of others,” he said.