French authorities have confined more than 1,700 passengers and crew members to the cruise ship Ambition docked in Bordeaux after a suspected norovirus outbreak. Officials reported that about 50 people on board, mostly British and Irish nationals, have shown symptoms of the virus.
The vessel, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, is carrying 1,233 passengers, the majority from the UK and Ireland. It arrived in Bordeaux on Tuesday. A 92-year-old passenger died on Sunday, but the operator stated the guest did not report any gastrointestinal symptoms, and the cause of death is pending a coroner's report.
Ambassador confirmed 48 active gastrointestinal illness cases among passengers and one among crew on the 14-night cruise. French shore authorities have instructed all guests and crew to remain onboard while investigations continue. The ship departed Belfast on Friday and Liverpool on Saturday, with cases increasing after embarkation in Liverpool.
The company said enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were immediately implemented, including increased cleaning, assisted dining, and guidance on hand hygiene. Medical consultations for gastrointestinal illness are free of charge. A specialist medical team and sanitation consultants have been dispatched to the vessel, and samples have been sent to Bordeaux University hospital for testing, with results expected in at least six hours.
Once clearance is granted, guests will be permitted to disembark.
