A COUPLE say their engagement celebrations turned into a “nightmare” during a luxury cruise.

Lauren and Danny Bushaway, of Merley in Wimborne, were passengers on the Thomson Majesty to the Canary Islands with Lauren’s parents and sister in April 2013.

On the evening of April 7, during the Captain’s Ball, 23-year-old Danny asked Lauren, 24, for her hand in marriage.

However, the pair claims their happiness was cut short when Danny says he suffered from diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps less than an hour after he had gone down on one knee.

The family say both Lauren and her mother Alison Sibley subsequently suffered with similar symptoms.

Lauren, who married Danny in November, said: “This trip should have been a perfect way to celebrate our engagement with each other and our family, but just hours after Danny proposed he was confined to the cabin and was unable to celebrate with us all.

“When mum and I also became ill it was truly horrendous and the celebration turned into a nightmare rather than the romantic getaway Danny had in mind.”

Danny says he became alarmed when he claims he found blood in his vomit and he was given three injections by the ship’s doctor to ease the symptoms.

More than a year later, Danny claims he continues to suffer from stomach cramps due to the illness, which the family believe may have been caused by poor food hygiene.

Clare Pearson, a specialist travel lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, which is representing the family, said she hopes Thomson will work with them to investigate the conditions described on the boat.

“This was meant to be one of the most romantic weeks of Danny and Lauren’s lives but unfortunately the illness they suffered left them unable to enjoy any of the facilities onboard and with awful memories rather than happy ones.”

A spokesperson for Thomson said: “We are sorry to hear of Mr and Mrs Bushaway’s experience on board the Thomson Majesty.

“As this case is now subject to legal proceedings it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.

“The ultimate priority for Thomson Cruises is the health, safety and comfort of all our customers. We operate stringent health and hygiene procedures in line with industry standards.”