More than 30 Harrow holidaymakers fell violently ill during a scenic German cruise when a virus epidemic broke out on board.
The tour group were just two days into their Rhine Valley Turkey and Tinsel trip when three quarters of the 90-odd passengers became sick and the local health authority quarantined their vessel.
Three people from Harrow remain in hospital abroad recovering while the rest have returned home.
Ken Lanning, 82, of Greystoke Avenue, Pinner, whose wife Yvonne, 60, organised the vacation for the Harrow group, said: "There were a number falling sick. We were called into the ship's lounge to be told it was a norovirus. The doctor reported back that it was an epidemic.
"Those who came onto the boat from outside were wearing protective suits and masks.
"Those of us that were well were able to go into the lounge. Those that were sick were consigned to their cabins.
"People had sickness and diarrhoea. Vomit and excrement was all over the place. The smell from it was awful."
Their boat, the Lady Anne, was quarantined in Boppard, western Germany, for two days before everyone was herded onto coaches to return home on Wednesday.
Three people, including Mr Lanning, succame to the virus on the journey back to Britain.
Mr Lanning said: "Only six out of 39 of us remained well. It was a nightmare."
River Cruise Line has refunded all the passengers the cost of their tickets.

More than 30 Harrow holidaymakers fell violently ill during a scenic German cruise when a virus epidemic broke out on board.
The tour group were just two days into their Rhine Valley Turkey and Tinsel trip when three quarters of the 90-odd passengers became sick and the local health authority quarantined their vessel.
Three people from Harrow remain in hospital abroad recovering while the rest have returned home.
Ken Lanning, 82, of Greystoke Avenue, Pinner, whose wife Yvonne, 60, organised the vacation for the Harrow group, said: "There were a number falling sick. We were called into the ship's lounge to be told it was a norovirus. The doctor reported back that it was an epidemic.
"Those who came onto the boat from outside were wearing protective suits and masks.
"Those of us that were well were able to go into the lounge. Those that were sick were consigned to their cabins.
"People had sickness and diarrhoea. Vomit and excrement was all over the place. The smell from it was awful."
Their boat, the Lady Anne, was quarantined in Boppard, western Germany, for two days before everyone was herded onto coaches to return home on Wednesday.
Three people, including Mr Lanning, succame to the virus on the journey back to Britain.
Mr Lanning said: "Only six out of 39 of us remained well. It was a nightmare."
River Cruise Line has refunded all the passengers the cost of their tickets.