A Caribbean Princess sailing has been cut short after more than 300 passengers on the ship began suffering with a suspected outbreak of norovirus.

The ship left on a two-week Caribbean voyage on 2 February from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with 3,000 guests and 1,100 crew on board.

Guests are now reported to be suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea, typical symptoms of the winter vomiting bug.

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said: “Caribbean Princess, which had been on a 14-day cruise in the Caribbean, has curtailed its current voyage due to guests reporting symptoms consistent with a mild case of gastrointestinal illness.

“The affected guests are being treated by the onboard medical team and there are no cases of coronavirus identified among the guests or crew.

“The ship, with 4,196 guests and crew, is now sailing back to the Port of Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, and is scheduled to arrive at Port Everglades at 7am on Thursday 13 February.

“All guests will receive a 50 per cent refund on their voyage and a future cruise credit valued at 50 per cent of their cruise for this inconvenience.

“Caribbean Princess will resume her schedule with a 16 February departure from Port Everglades for a round-trip Caribbean cruise.

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is one of the most common stomach infections in the UK.

It spreads from person to person through close contact, coughing and sneezing and touching the same surfaces or food as someone who has the illness.

Yesterday, at least 89 passengers on board Saga’s Spirit of Discovery were also reported to have fallen ill with norovirus and the ship was refused entry into Gibraltar.

175 passengers on another Princess cruises ship, Diamond Princess, have tested positive for the coronavirus.

There are roughly 3,600 people being held in quarantine on board the ship off the coast of Japan, which will remain in quarantine until 19 February.

For the latest information and updates on coronavirus, visit the FOC website.