Woman dies 'at breakfast table' on cruise ship

An elderly woman has died at a breakfast table on board a P&O cruise ship that was docked in Queensland on the weekend, amid reports of a possible gastro outbreak.

Queensland Police told Yahoo7 the woman, 79, "passed away at the breakfast table" about 7am on Saturday, September 10.

It's believed she had ongoing health issues and was surrounded by relatives at the time.

The Sydney Morning Herald named the woman as 79-year-old Margaret Carlson.

It's reported Ms Carlson boarded the ship in Sydney on September 6 for a 10-day coastal cruise.

There were previous reports of a gastro outbreak on board, but police said there was nothing to suggest this was the case or that it was a contributing factor in Ms Carlson's death.

"There was no reported gastro outbreak onboard," a Queensland Police spokesperson said.

Police also said there was nothing to suggest the cruise company was at fault.

A spokesperson from P&O Cruises told the Courier Mail there was no reported outbreak of gastroenteritis on board the ship.

“The woman did sadly pass away on board our ship on Saturday,” she said.

“But there is no report of a gastro outbreak on board."

A report is being prepared for the coroner and investigations are ongoing.