Passengers aboard the Ambassador Cruise Line's Ambition have described harrowing scenes as norovirus swept through the vessel, with travellers vomiting in public areas and crew working tirelessly to maintain hygiene. The outbreak left more than 1,700 passengers and crew, including hundreds of Britons, stranded off the coast of Bordeaux, France.
Outbreak Details
The ship departed the Shetland Islands on May 6, stopping in Belfast, Liverpool, and Brest, France. Upon reaching Bordeaux, it failed to depart for Spain as scheduled after 49 people fell ill with norovirus. Passengers reported seeing fellow travellers being sick on deck and even on a bus.
Carol Landa-Vance, from County Antrim, who is aboard with her husband, told the BBC that French authorities confirmed norovirus and allowed asymptomatic passengers to leave the ship. She noted that from Sunday, self-service buffets were restricted, condiments removed, and cutlery wrapped. Pools and jacuzzis were also closed.
Passenger Accounts
David Munster, from Dundonald, County Down, said that after leaving Liverpool, they were informed of ill passengers who self-isolated in cabins. He witnessed cleaning of vomit but praised the hardworking staff. Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols, including increased cleaning and assisted dining.
Social media comments criticised some passengers' hygiene, with one guest writing: "Some passengers need a lesson in hygiene. One lady coughing in the dining room with no hand over her mouth." Others praised the crew, stating: "We've been looked after really well, staff doing their very best."
Additional Incident
The cruise line also reported that a 92-year-old British man died onboard Sunday, though he had no norovirus symptoms. Local media cited cardiac arrest. French health authorities boarded the ship to review records and collect samples, later releasing Ambition to resume normal operations.
