A Falmouth couple are among 200 passengers to receive a “significant settlement” after experiencing a cruise from hell on their honeymoon.

The outbreak of severe gastric illness left some passengers suffering “horrific symptoms” onboard the Thomson Dream cruise ship in 2010, including Kevin Jewitt and his wife, who were on their honeymoon.

Specialist travel lawyers from Irwin Mitchell represented 205 passengers from across the country, who travelled onboard the Thomson Dream across the Mediterranean between May and October 2010.

Among the holidays ruined were a honeymoon, golden wedding anniversary, silver wedding anniversary, numerous birthdays and other anniversary celebrations. Eighty-nine of those passengers taking legal action suffered severe gastric illness.

Kevin and Samantha Jewitt were left with stomach upsets which lasted weeks after they returned, with the couple saying the problems started as soon as they were onboard. They were forced to move cabin in after it flooded due to a toilet that had backed up. The next day people were “falling ill, toilets were blocked and people were flying home”.

Calling it a “shambles” that ruined their honeymoon, Samantha could not face eating anything cooked onboard because of the smell. The pair survived on crisps and sweets from a shop.

Irwin Mitchell previously agreed settlements for 13 passengers and has now come to an agreement with tour operator TUI UK Ltd, in respect of the remaining 192 passengers. The parties have agreed awards for passengers of up to £11,000 each. A number of the settlements relate to children.

Passengers complained of food not being served at the correct temperature, hot dishes being lukewarm and food left uncovered in the restaurant. Toilets in the bathrooms also backed up and sewage spilled onto floors with sewage smells spreading throughout the ship Elizabeth Tetzner, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Many of the passengers who suffered illness suffered from symptoms such as stomach cramps, sickness, diarrhoea and lethargy. These types of illness can have a debilitating, long-term impact on their health. Some passengers had to seek medical assistance upon their return home.”

When contacted, TUI UK Ltd said they do not comment on settlements.