A CRUISE-LINER moored in Barcelona has been hit by swine ‘flu, confirms the ministry of health.

Two women – an Italian national and a woman from the USA – have been confirmed as suffering from the AH1N1 virus, bringing the number of cases recorded in Spain to 541.

They have been treated since their condition was discovered on Tuesday by medical staff on board the Navigator of the Seas liner, which belongs to the company Royal Caribbean.

The ship was due to sail out to Palma de Mallorca yesterday evening.

According to the ministry, the affected women have only been in contact with three other passengers, all family members and friends.

They are said to be in a good state of health, not suffering from fever and being treated with anti-viral medication.

All cases detected in Spain are recovering well, the ministry reveals.

Of the 55,000 worldwide, 4,500 are in the European Union.

Only one death – in the UK – has been recorded throughout the whole of the EU, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) sources.