Passengers aboard the Ambition cruise ship were temporarily confined to the vessel in Bordeaux after a gastrointestinal illness outbreak prompted French health authorities to investigate.
Ambassador Cruise Line/Facebook
The ship, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, was on its 14-night Delights of Western France & Spain Explorer sailing when a number of guests and crew began displaying symptoms linked to viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as norovirus.
The cruise departed Belfast on 8 May before continuing from Liverpool the following day. According to the cruise line, cases increased after passengers boarded in Liverpool.
In response, enhanced sanitation and health protocols were introduced across the ship. These included intensified cleaning and disinfection procedures, assisted service in selected dining areas and increased hygiene guidance for passengers. Guests and crew members showing symptoms were isolated in line with EU SHIPSHAN public health regulations, while onboard medical consultations related to the illness were offered free of charge.
During the vessel’s scheduled stop in Bordeaux, French health authorities boarded the ship to conduct what was described as a routine health review. Specialist medical teams and sanitation consultants were also deployed to assist the onboard crew and collect samples for laboratory testing at Bordeaux University Hospital.
While testing and investigations were underway, passengers and crew were instructed to remain onboard under the direction of local authorities. Shore excursions scheduled for the day were cancelled, with affected guests promised full refunds.
The cruise line later confirmed that laboratory testing identified the illness as viral gastroenteritis caused by norovirus, with transmission occurring through person-to-person contact or contaminated environments. Authorities subsequently cleared the ship to resume normal operations.
According to Ambassador Cruise Line, no serious cases of illness were reported onboard.
The company also confirmed that a 92-year-old male passenger died during the voyage on 10 May. The cruise line stated that the guest had not reported symptoms related to the gastrointestinal illness. Support is reportedly being provided to the passenger’s friends and family.
Following clearance from French authorities, passengers were allowed to disembark in Bordeaux and scheduled shore excursions resumed.
Enhanced sanitation measures, medical monitoring and isolation procedures remain in place onboard as a precaution while the cruise continues its itinerary through Western Europe.
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