The U.K. Mirror reports dozens of British holidaymakers on a Mediterranean cruise were yesterday confined to their cabins after norovirus swept through the ship.

Passengers aboard the Grand Princess liner started to become violently sick just moments after the boat set sail from Southampton.

More than 2,500 people are on board – and the number of people becoming ill was said to be growing by the hour.

Just two medics are aboard and they are having to run from cabin to cabin to treat the sick – many of whom are pensioners. Passengers David and Jackie Greenslade – who paid £3,500 for their trip – have been confined to cabin since Wednesday.

Sales manager David, 57, from Poole, Dorset, said,

"It was supposed to be a dream holiday but it’s turned into a nightmare. People are dropping like flies."